Make This Exotic Hyderabadi Shahjahani Meetha

Shahjahani Meetha is one of the Hyderabadi cuisine's most elusive and secret recipes. This long-lost Hyderabadi dessert is bound to win your heart. A delectable halwa dish made with less tart tomatoes or salad tomatoes, it is packed with milk and dried fruit goodness. If you have pre-made mawa, it is simple to cook and saves time. This enticingly refreshing Hyderabadi halwa is a familiar sight at parties, social soirees and other occasions. Surprise your guests and keep them wondering what the ingredients in this halwa are. Although it is not necessary, some people use beetroot paste to add colour.

Let's make this exotic dessert. 

Shahjahani Meetha

Time: 30 mins

Serves: 2

Ingredients

• 300gms salad or less tangy tomatoes
• ½ litre full-fat milk
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 50 gram sugar
• ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 teaspoons of chopped dry fruits

Method

1. Take a heavy-bottomed wide non-stick vessel and pour the milk.
2. Bring it to a boil and continue stirring it. Keep scraping the edges until it reaches a thick consistency. Ensure the flame is high, and you don't leave it unattended. The mawa gets ready in 15-20 minutes. 
3. If you are using readymade mawa, 75 grams is enough.
4. In another pan, heat water and add the tomatoes. Cook on high flame for about 7-8 minutes
5. This process is to blanch tomatoes. Drain the excess water. Peel the skin of the tomatoes. 
6. Using a spoon or masher, mash the tomatoes 
7. Heat ghee in a pan and add the mashed tomatoes 
8. By stirring continuously, cook until the water evaporates.
9. Now add 1 tablespoon of boiled beetroot paste or red colour (optional) and green cardamom powder. 
10. As the sugar starts to melt, let the halwa cook for two more minutes
11. Add the mawa or khoya and let it cook for another 5 minutes. 
12. Turn of the flame and let it sit for 8-10 minutes.

The Shahjahani meetha is ready. Serve by garnishing with chopped dry fruits.

Note: Shahjahani halwa is prepared on high flam throughout the process. It requires your attention. Skip the steps of mawa preparation if you're using store-bought khoya. Use salad tomatoes or less tangy tomatoes while preparing this dessert, else you will end up creating sour Shahjahani meetha.