Porridge halwa ( dalya ka halwa )

 Assalamualaikum! I hope you are doing well and in the best of health and spirits. Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful and nutritious recipe for Porridge Halwa. This dish is beloved by many for its unique taste and the strength it provides. It is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome meal or dessert. Let’s dive into the detailed steps to make this wonderful dish!

                Ingredients

To make Porridge Halwa, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 cup dalya (broken wheat or porridge)

- 2 glasses of water

- 3 tablespoons Desi ghee (clarified butter)

- 1 cup gurr (jaggery) or sugar (depending on your preference)

- 1 teaspoon ilaichi powder (cardamom powder)

- A handful of roasted dry fruits (such as almonds, cashews, and raisins)

                 Preparation Method

    

    Step 1: Roasting the Porridge

1. Heat the Ghee:

    Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of desi ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Desi ghee adds a rich flavor and aroma to the halwa, which is essential for achieving the authentic taste of this dish.

2. Add the Dalya:

     Once the ghee is hot, add 1 cup of dalya (broken wheat) to the pan. The dalya should be roasted in the ghee until it turns a light golden brown color. This step is crucial because roasting the dalya enhances its flavor and gives the halwa a delightful nutty aroma.

3. Roast Until Golden Brown:

    Stir the dalya continuously to ensure it does not burn. This process may take about 7-10 minutes. You want the dalya to achieve a uniform golden brown color, which indicates that it is properly roasted. Roasting it well also helps in achieving a perfect texture in the final dish.

      Step 2: Preparing the Sweet Syrup

1. Prepare the Sweetener:

    While the dalya is roasting, take a separate pan and add 2 glasses of water to it. To this, add 1 cup of either gurr (jaggery) or sugar, based on your preference. If you are using jaggery, make sure to chop it into small pieces so it melts easily.

2. Melt the Jaggery or Sugar:

    Place the pan on low heat and let the gurre or sugar slowly melt into the water. Stir occasionally to help dissolve it completely. The key here is to ensure that the jaggery or sugar dissolves without getting burnt, which is why it’s important to keep the heat low. Jaggery tends to caramelize quickly and can turn dark, altering the flavor of the halwa, so gentle heating is crucial.

3. Strain the Syrup (Optional):

     If you are using jaggery and you notice any impurities or sediments, you can strain the syrup through a fine sieve to ensure a smooth consistency. This step is optional but recommended for a cleaner final product.

    Step 3: Cooking the Porridge in Syrup

1.   Combine Dalya and Syrup:

    Once the dalya is roasted to a light brown color and the syrup is ready, slowly pour the syrup into the roasted dalya. Be cautious while doing this, as the syrup might splatter due to the difference in temperatures.

2. Stir and Cook:

     Mix the syrup and dalya well. Continue to cook the mixture over a low to medium flame, stirring occasionally. At this stage, add the 2 glasses of water to the mixture, which will help cook the dalya thoroughly.

3. Simmer Gently:

     Cover the pan and let the porridge cook on low heat for about 15 minutes. It is important to cook on low heat to allow the Dalya a to absorb the syrup and water properly, becoming soft and tender without getting mashed. The aim is to have each grain of dalya cook separately, giving the halwa a nice texture.

4. Check the Consistency:

    After about 15 minutes, check the porridge. If it appears dry and the dalya is not soft enough, you can add a little more water and continue cooking until it reaches the desired softness. Stir gently with a spoon to ensure the dalya grains remain intact and do not become mushy.

      Step 4: Adding Final Touches

1. Add Cardamom Powder:

 Once the dalya is fully cooked and the water is absorbed, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of ilaichi (cardamom) powder over the halwa. Cardamom adds a wonderful aroma and flavor, elevating the dish to a whole new level.

2.Ghee Separation: 

   Continue to cook and gently stir until you notice the ghee separating from the sides of the pan. This is a good indication that the halwa is fully cooked and ready.

3. Garnish with Dry Fruits:

  Finally, garnish the halwa with roasted dry fruits like almonds, cashews, and raisins. These not only enhance the flavor but also add a lovely crunch and additional nutritional value to the halwa 

      Step 5: Serving the Porridge Halwa

1. Serve Warm:

   Porridge Halwa is best enjoyed warm. The texture is soft and creamy, and the flavors are rich and comforting. Serve it in bowls, making sure to include a few pieces of the garnished dry fruits in each serving.

2. Enjoy with Family:

   This halwa is a perfect dish to share with family and friends. It is particularly enjoyed during cold weather or as a special treat during festive occasions. 

Health Benefits of Porridge Halwa:

Porridge Halwa is not just a delicious dish but also comes with a host of health benefits:

1. Rich in Nutrients:

  Dalya, or broken wheat, is a great source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps in digestion and provides sustained energy, making it a good option for breakfast or as a healthy snack.

2. Energy Boost:

  The jaggery or sugar in the halwa provides an instant energy boost. Jaggery, in particular, is known for its detoxifying properties and is rich in iron, which helps in maintaining healthy hemoglobin levels.

3. Good for Digestion:

  Desi ghee, an essential ingredient in this recipe, is known to aid digestion and boost immunity. It also adds a rich flavor and makes the halwa more palatable.

4. Beneficial for All Ages:

 This halwa is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, from young children to the elderly. It’s soft, easy to digest, and packed with nutrition, making it a great option for everyone.

Conclusion:

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Porridge Halwa as much as I do. It's a perfect blend of taste and nutrition, providing comfort and energy in every bite. Please do try out this recipe and share your experience with me. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel  for more such recipes. Thank you, and Allah Hafiz!