One of the most popular desi desserts is the halwa, which is essentially a dense confection made from cooking food grains in milk and ghee. Although desis around the world adore this confection and enjoy it on special occasions. The halwa is a popular dessert in several cultures and cuisines around the globe. Halwa and its various avatars are also popular in the Middle East and central Asia, as well as in the Eastern Europe and parts of Africa. You may know halwa as a sweet that is made from flours like wheat flour, semolina flour etc., but it can be made from any number of ingredients, including fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts and nut butters.
Halwas are, by nature, rich and decadent, due to the presence of fat-rich ghee, full fat milk and lots of sugar. But to make halwas more nutritious, you may use fibre-rich vegetables and fruits and nutritious seeds, in lieu of refined flours. If you're looking for a more nutritious dessert, then we have a whole range of halwa recipes, and although these recipes mention sugar, you may use any natural sweetener of your choice instead of refined sugar in these recipes.
Also Read: From Mirchi Ka Halwa To Haldi Ka Halwa: 7 Interesting Indian Halwas You May Have Not Tried Yet
Nutritious Halwa Recipes
1. Khus Khus Halwa Recipe
Poppy seeds, or khus khus seeds, are beneficial in numerous ways. From improving bone strength to digestion to even fertility, these seeds have been said to be healthy for various body functions. This khus khus halwa recipe contains poppy seeds, makhana, almonds, pistachios, ghee and milk.
2. Doodhi Ka Halwa Recipe
Doodhi, or lauki, is a low-calorie vegetable that also has high water content, but it is typically considered boring and bland. This halwa is proof that lauki can be made in a delicious way as well. This recipe uses jaggery instead of refined sugar as a sweetener, which is always a healthier option than the former.
3. Pumpkin And Apple Halwa Recipe
Pumpkin in a halwa? Kaddu, or pumpkin, is another supposedly boring vegetable that can be turned into a delicious, nutritious and unique halwa. This recipe adds apples to the mix for a fruity flavour. The sweet cooked pumpkin pulp is mixed with mashed apple pulp and then cooked in ghee and aromatic spices for a warming halwa.
4. Walnuts Halwa Recipe
One of the healthiest nuts out there, walnuts can also be turned into halwa. The nut that has a number of health benefits, including improvement in heart health and anti-inflammatory properties, is also a delicious dessert ingredient. This walnut halwa is made from soaked walnuts, or akhrot, and it also contains nutritious cucumber seeds.
Also Read: Fan Of Kadha Prasad? Now Make Your Own Kadha Prasad At Home
5. Singhare Ke Atte Ka Halwa Recipe
Water chestnut, or singhara, is also consumed in the form of flour that is gluten-free and more nutritious than refined flour. This singhara atta halwa is a delicious surprise for those looking for a change from the run-of-the-mill atta halwa.
Which of these unique halwas are you going to try? Let us know in the comments section below!
(This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.)