Halwa: Try These Lesser-Known Varieties Of The Dessert

Don’t you get a craving for a rich and comforting dessert on a typical rainy day? While having a cup of chai is a go-to move, nothing beats the feeling of having a bowlful of the Indian dessert halwa. However, when it comes to making halwa, the usual types are always besan halwa, atte ka halwa, or even moong dal halwa.

But that’s just the beginning. Halwa is an incredible Indian dessert that can be made with a wide range of vegetables or ingredients. From seasonal vegetables like petha and lauki to the all-time favourite aloo, you can make irresistible types of halwa and fix your sweet tooth. So, why are you settling on besan halwa or even gajrela, try these lesser-known varieties and have the most of a chilly day.

Aloo Halwa

Who said aloo, or potatoes are only limited to making sabzis, curries, or snacks? The versatile vegetable can also be used to make halwa. All you need to do is boil some potatoes, peel and mash them. Next, you can cook them with sugar till you get a golden brown mixture. You can then add in cardamom and saffron, garnish with chopped dry fruits and nuts and serve.

Pethe Ka Halwa

Petha, kaddu, or pumpkin is a beloved vegetable in Indian kitchens. To make the most out of the vegetable, you can make an indulgent halwa. All you need to do to make pethe ka halwa is roast grated petha, khoya, dry fruits, and spices like cardamom, saffron, and nutmeg. Once you get a thick consistency, you can serve the rich Indian dessert.

Badam Halwa

If you’re looking for a luxurious, nut-based halwa, badam halwa (almond halwa) is the ultimate choice. Made with finely ground almonds, the dessert has a smooth and velvety texture. The rich and nutty profile of badam halwa makes it a perfect addition to the dessert counter for any special occasions, festivals, or even weddings.

Kathal Ka Halwa

Kathal ka halwa is a sweet dish that boasts its natural sweetness. To make this mouth-drooling dessert, you need to take grated kathal and cook it on low flame in ghee. After a few minutes, add some milk, sugar, and cardamom powder and let it simmer till you get a uniform mixture. Now, all that’s left is adding some chopped dry fruits on top and diving right in!

Lauki Halwa

Lauki, or bottle gourd, is another vegetable that can be turned into a mouth-watering dessert. All you need to do to make the halwa is rinse a lauki and grate it. Then, cook it with milk, ghee, sugar, and chopped dry fruits. Once the halwa starts to thicken, garnish with chopped pistachios, transfer into bowls, and serve.