Aata(wheat) halwa recipe 😋

 

Ingredients

Baking & Spices

- 1 cup White sugar, granulated

Flour

- 1 cup Whole wheat flour

Dairy

- 1 cup Clarified butter (Ghee)

Liquids

- 4 cups Water

Method

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Measure and Prep Ingredients:

   - Start by measuring all the ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process without interruptions. Measure 1 cup of whole wheat flour and 1 cup of granulated white sugar. Also, ensure you have 1 cup of clarified butter ready.

2. Clarified Butter:

   - If you don't have clarified butter (ghee) ready, you can make it by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted, continue to cook the butter until the milk solids separate and sink to the bottom. The liquid should be clear and golden. Strain this liquid to remove the milk solids. This is your clarified butter.

Cooking the Flour

3. Heat the Butter:

   - In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the 1 cup of clarified butter. Heat it on medium heat until it is fully melted and slightly shimmering but not smoking.

4. Add the Flour:

   - Once the butter is hot, add the 1 cup of whole wheat flour. Stir immediately to combine the flour with the butter. This is a crucial step to ensure that the flour cooks evenly and doesn’t form lumps.

5. Fry the Flour:

   - Continue to stir the flour in the butter continuously. The mixture will initially be a bit pasty but will gradually turn smoother as it cooks. This process of frying the flour in butter is called 'roasting the flour'. It is essential to do this on medium heat to avoid burning the flour.

   - Keep stirring and cooking the mixture until it turns a golden brown color. This should take around 10-15 minutes. The color change indicates that the raw taste of the flour has been cooked out, and it will also develop a nutty aroma. Be patient during this step as rushing it can lead to unevenly cooked flour or burnt spots.

Adding the Water

6. Boil the Water Separately:

   - In a separate saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. It’s important to add boiling water to the roasted flour mixture to ensure a smooth consistency.

7. Add Water Gradually:

   - Once the flour mixture is golden brown, slowly start adding the boiling water. Add it in a steady stream while continuously stirring the mixture. This helps in avoiding lumps.

   - Be cautious while adding the water as the mixture will sizzle and might splash. It’s a good idea to reduce the heat to low while doing this to manage the splattering.

8. Mix Thoroughly:

   - Continue stirring the mixture as you add the water. The mixture will thicken and start to come together. Ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is smooth. This step is crucial to get a smooth texture in the final dish.

Adding Sugar

9. Incorporate the Sugar:

   - Once the water is fully integrated and the mixture is smooth, add 1 cup of granulated white sugar. Stir well to combine.

10. Cook the Mixture:

    - Continue cooking the mixture on medium heat, stirring constantly. The sugar will dissolve and the mixture will start to thicken further. Cook for about 5-10 more minutes until the mixture reaches the desired consistency.

    - The final texture should be smooth, slightly glossy, and not too runny. It should hold its shape when you move it with a spoon.

Final Touches

11. Check Consistency:

    - Ensure the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. If you find any lumps, you can use a whisk to break them up. The consistency should be thick but pourable.

12. Taste and Adjust:

    - Taste the mixture for sweetness. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar at this stage. Just make sure to stir well to dissolve the additional sugar.

13. Serving:

    - Once cooked, remove the pan from heat. You can transfer the mixture to a serving dish. It can be served hot or warm as a dessert or a sweet side dish.

Tips and Tricks

1. Consistency Control:

   - The key to this recipe is controlling the consistency at each step. Ensuring the flour is well roasted without burning, adding boiling water slowly to avoid lumps, and cooking the final mixture until it reaches a smooth and thick consistency are all critical steps.

2.Flavor Enhancements:

   - You can enhance the flavor by adding a pinch of cardamom powder or a splash of vanilla extract after adding the sugar. These additions can bring a delightful aromatic dimension to the dish.

3. Garnishing:

   - For a richer presentation, you can garnish the dish with chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, or pistachios. These not only add a nice crunch but also complement the nutty flavor of the roasted flour.

4. Storage:

   - This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When reheating, you might need to add a little water or milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

5. Serving Suggestions:

   - This sweet dish can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of yogurt. It can also be paired with fresh fruits or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a delicious and perfectly textured dish. Enjoy your cooking!