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If you’re craving a rich and aromatic Indian dessert, look no further than this authentic Besan Halwa recipe—a traditional sweet dish made with gram flour (besan), ghee, and sugar that melts in your mouth and fills your home with festive fragrance.
Among all Indian sweets, Besan Halwa holds a special place during celebrations, religious occasions, and even on cold winter evenings. The nutty aroma of roasted besan combined with the richness of ghee and the sweetness of sugar makes it a perfect comfort dessert. It’s easy to prepare, uses minimal ingredients, and is packed with flavor.
Before you begin, gather the following ingredients for the perfect Besan Halwa recipe:
1 cup besan (gram flour) – preferably coarse variety
½ cup ghee (clarified butter)
¾ cup sugar – adjust as per taste
2 cups water – for dissolving sugar
4–5 cardamom pods (elaichi) – crushed or powdered
A handful of chopped dry fruits – almonds, cashews, raisins (optional)
Step 1: Roast the Besan
Start by heating ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on low to medium heat. Add the besan and begin roasting. Stir continuously to avoid lumps and ensure even roasting. The besan will initially absorb the ghee, then gradually loosen and become aromatic with a golden brown color. This process takes about 10–12 minutes and is key to achieving the perfect Besan Halwa recipe texture and taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
While the besan is roasting, boil 2 cups of water in another pan and add the sugar. Stir until completely dissolved. Add cardamom powder for enhanced flavor. This sugar syrup will later be added to the roasted besan.
Step 3: Mix Syrup with Roasted Besan
Once the besan is well roasted and aromatic, slowly pour the hot sugar syrup into it, stirring constantly. Be cautious as the mixture may splutter. Stir quickly to avoid lumps forming. The mixture will start to thicken.
Step 4: Cook Until Halwa Leaves the Sides
Continue cooking the halwa on medium heat, stirring until the mixture thickens, starts to leave the sides of the pan, and the ghee begins to separate. This is a sign that your Besan Halwa recipe is nearly complete.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Add chopped dry fruits and mix well. Serve hot as is, or shape into small servings for festive occasions. Your authentic Besan Halwa recipe is ready to delight!
Use coarse besan for a grainier texture, which enhances the taste.
Roasting is key – undercooked besan tastes raw and overcooked besan can turn bitter.
Don’t skip cardamom – it adds depth to the flavor.
Add saffron for extra richness and color, though optional.
Serve immediately or reheat with a little water/ghee before serving.
While Besan Halwa is indulgent, besan (gram flour) itself is high in protein and fiber. Using moderate sugar and ghee can make it a more balanced dessert, especially when compared to refined sweets.
There’s something magical about the aroma of ghee-roasted besan filling your kitchen—nostalgic, festive, and comforting. This Besan Halwa recipe not only offers a rich and authentic taste but also captures the essence of Indian tradition in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or just treating yourself, this recipe is a must-try for dessert lovers. And if you’re in the mood for something savory before dessert, pairing it with a flavorful Afghani Chaap Roll makes for a delightful meal experience.
Ghee is essential for authentic flavor and texture, but you can try using unsalted butter or a small amount of oil. However, the taste will vary.
It takes around 10–12 minutes on low-medium heat to roast besan properly. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
Yes, besan (gram flour) is naturally gluten-free, making this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
Yes, it can be refrigerated for 2–3 days. Reheat with a bit of water or ghee before serving.
Yes, milk can be used for a creamier version of the Besan Halwa recipe, but it will slightly change the taste and increase the richness.