Recipe
Andhra-style Almond Halwa
Spiced Almond Delight: Andhra-style Halwa
4.4 out of 5
Indulge in the rich flavors of Andhra cuisine with this delectable Andhra-style Almond Halwa. Made with ground almonds, aromatic spices, and a touch of sweetness, this dessert is a true delight for your taste buds.
Metadata
Preparation time
20 minutes
Cooking time
30 minutes
Total time
50 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free (if ghee is substituted with oil), Vegan (if ghee is substituted with oil and sugar with a vegan sweetener), Nut-free (if almonds are substituted with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds)
Allergens
Tree nuts (almonds)
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Raw vegan
Ingredients
In the original Maltese dish, Ħelwa tat-tork, semolina is the main ingredient, whereas in this Andhra-style adaptation, almonds take the spotlight. The spices used in the Andhra version, such as cardamom and saffron, add a distinct flavor profile that is unique to Andhra cuisine. Additionally, the cooking technique and presentation of the dish differ, as the Andhra-style halwa is cooked with ghee and garnished with slivered almonds. We alse have the original recipe for Ħelwa tat-tork, so you can check it out.
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2 cups (240g) almonds, blanched and peeled 2 cups (240g) almonds, blanched and peeled
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1 cup (200g) sugar 1 cup (200g) sugar
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1/2 cup (120ml) ghee 1/2 cup (120ml) ghee
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1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
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A pinch of saffron strands A pinch of saffron strands
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Slivered almonds, for garnish Slivered almonds, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
- Fat: 25g (total), 10g (saturated)
- Carbohydrates: 40g (total), 35g (sugars)
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 4g
- Salt: 0.1g
Preparation
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1.Grind the blanched and peeled almonds into a fine paste.
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2.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
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3.Add the almond paste to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously.
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4.Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands to the pan. Mix well.
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5.Continue cooking the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
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6.Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
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7.Transfer the halwa to a serving dish and garnish with slivered almonds.
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8.Serve warm or at room temperature.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Almonds — Make sure to blanch and peel the almonds before grinding them into a paste. This will result in a smoother texture for the halwa.
Tips & Tricks
- To enhance the flavor, toast the slivered almonds before garnishing the halwa.
- For a richer taste, substitute a portion of the ghee with khoya (reduced milk solids).
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- Add a few drops of rose water for a floral aroma.
- Serve the halwa with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of warm and cold.
Serving advice
Serve Andhra-style Almond Halwa warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrasting texture and temperature.
Presentation advice
Present the Andhra-style Almond Halwa in a decorative serving dish, garnished with a sprinkle of slivered almonds. You can also drizzle a few strands of saffron on top for an elegant touch.
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