Ashoka or Asoka Halwa is a well-liked dessert from the musical place of Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district.
Asoka Halwa holds a particular place in my coronary heart as a result of it jogs my memory of celebration days at residence. This beautiful golden dessert transforms humble moong dal into one thing really magical. What I like most is how the lentils change into creamy and candy, whereas the roasted nuts add that good crunch. It’s a type of recipes that fills your kitchen with probably the most wonderful odor. The very best half? You most likely have most elements in your pantry proper now.
In regards to the Recipe
You must do this recipe as a result of it’s surprisingly simple for such a powerful dessert. Many individuals assume making conventional halwa is difficult, however this one breaks all these guidelines. The moong dal offers it protein, making it extra nutritious than common sweets. Plus, you can also make it forward of time for events. The golden shade appears so lovely on any desk, and your friends will assume you spent hours making it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This halwa hits all the best notes – it’s creamy, nutty, and completely candy. The feel is what will get me each time – clean from the dal however with these pleasant items of almonds and cashews. And that aroma when the cardamom goes in? Pure magic. It’s additionally forgiving for learners. For those who overcook it barely, it nonetheless tastes wonderful. The wheat flour helps bind all the pieces collectively fantastically. Better of all, it retains nicely, so you may take pleasure in it for days.
Serving and Storing Ideas
This recipe serves 6-8 individuals and takes about 5-6 hours complete (principally soaking time). Lively cooking is simply 45 minutes. Serve heat or at room temperature – each are scrumptious. Retailer lined within the fridge for as much as every week. It really tastes higher the following day when flavors have melded. Gently reheat if you happen to favor it heat.
Nutrient Advantages
Moong dal gives glorious plant protein and fiber, making this dessert extra nutritious than many sweets. Almonds and cashews add wholesome fat and vitamin E. Ghee, utilized in moderation, gives fat-soluble nutritional vitamins. The cardamom aids digestion, which is useful after a wealthy meal. Whereas it’s nonetheless a candy deal with, the protein content material makes it extra satisfying than sugar-heavy desserts.

Asoka Halwa
Ashoka or Asoka Halwa is a well-liked dessert from the musical place of Thiruvaiyaru in Thanjavur district.
Substances
- 250 g Moong Dal
- 2 tbsp Wheat flour
- 250 g Sugar
- 150 g Ghee
- 2 tbsp Almonds damaged
- 2 tbsp Cashewnuts damaged
- 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder
- Meals color Crimson/orange/yellow – a pinch (non-obligatory)
Directions
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Dry roast the dal for a couple of minutes and soak it in water for 4-5 hours.
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Drain it, use enough water and stress prepare dinner it within the cooker till it’s tender & mushy. Set this apart.
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Dry roast the wheat flour till it will get a pleasant golden color and begins giving an aroma. Set this apart.
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Warmth a spoon of ghee in a frying pan and fry the almonds and cashewnuts till they’re golden. Put aside.
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Pour the remaining ghee to the pan and add the cooked moong dal, wheat flour and sugar. Stir nicely until it reaches a halwa consistency.
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When you see ghee beginning to go away the edges of the halwa, add the cashewnuts, kesari powder, cardamom powder and almonds.
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Combine nicely and take away.
Recipe Video
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Steadily Requested Questions
Can I make this halwa with out meals coloring?
Certainly. The pure golden shade from roasted wheat flour and turmeric in dal appears lovely. Meals coloring simply makes it extra vibrant, but it surely’s utterly non-obligatory. The style stays precisely the identical.
What if my halwa turns into too thick or dry?
Add just a little heat milk or water regularly whereas stirring. Warmth gently till you get the best consistency. This occurs generally, so don’t fear. Simply modify the moisture slowly.
Can I substitute the ghee with oil or butter?
Ghee offers the genuine style and texture, however you need to use melted butter for comparable outcomes. Oil works too, however the taste received’t be as wealthy. Use an identical quantity no matter you select.
How do I do know when the moong dal is cooked correctly?
The dal ought to mash simply when pressed between your fingers. It ought to look mushy and break down utterly. If it’s nonetheless agency, stress prepare dinner for a couple of extra minutes.
Can I put together this halwa prematurely for events?
Sure. This halwa tastes nice even after 2-3 days. Retailer it lined within the fridge. You’ll be able to serve it chilly or reheat gently. The flavors really develop extra over time.