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Onam is the popular harvest festival that is celebrated with great unity and prosperity in Kerela. To celebrate the traditional flavours of the coastal city, a grand feast called Onam Sadhya is prepared to make the most of the festival. Regional dishes and desserts served on a banana lead give Onam its very essence.
Coming to desserts, one of the most commonly made Indian sweet dishes on Onam is banana halwa. With its creamy texture and rich flavour, banana halwa can make anyone drool. But if you are hosting Onam Sadhya or simply want to perfect the authentic Indian, here are a few handy tips which make your banana halwa simply irresistible.
Do Pick The Right Bananas
As the name suggests, the primary ingredient of banana halwa is the fruit itself. To make the best batch of banana halwa, it is recommended that you pick Kerela bananas, known as Nenthra Pazham. They are usually larger in size, sweeter, and give the halwa a depth that is a relished flavour on Onam Sadhya.
Don’t Skimp On Ghee
Ghee is an essential and non-negotiable ingredient to nail any type of halwa. Not only does ghee (clarified butter) give the Indian dessert an authentic nutty profile, but it also prevents the halwa from sticking to the pan. While the quantity of ghee will depend on the preparation, as a general thumb rule, you can add around 0.5 to 1 cup of ghee for every kilogram of bananas.
Do Cook On Low Flame While Stirring
One of the most important things to perfect banana halwa is patience. In order to let the flavours meld and achieve a smooth and glossy texture, allow the halwa to cook on low heat. Since the process of caramelisation of sugar and banana will take some time, stir every now and then to prevent any lumps or an unevenly cooked halwa.
Don’t Rely On Artificial Sweetener
The type of sweetener you are using while making banana halwa will determine its overall flavour and colour. Traditionally, using gur (jaggery) gives banana halwa its characteristic brown colour. If you use artificial sugar or too much refined sugar, it will not only hamper the authentic taste but can also affect the texture and consistency of the traditional Sadhya dessert.
Do Add Spices And Nuts
The richness of banana halwa depends on the generous use of spices like cardamom and saffron. Also, to make the halwa more indulgent, don’t shy away from adding chopped dry fruits and nuts like almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios, and raisins.
