Besan Ka Halwa

By: Manjula Jain

Serving : 4 people
Hover over serving size and use the slider that appears to adjust serving size
Total Time :17 minutes

Rate this recipe:

4 from 10 votes

Besan Ka Halwa

Besan Ka Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert and made using different flour, lentils, nuts and vegetables. Besan Ka Halwa is one of my favorite Halwas. This is delicious and also quick and easy to make. When you roast the besan, the house is full of sweet aroma. Besan Ka Halwa is also gluten free.

Besan Ka Halwa

Ingredients

  • 1 cup coarse besan ladoo ka besan, gram flour
  • 1/2 cup clarified butter ghee
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder ilachi
  • 2-1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp almonds sliced

Instructions

  • Boil the water with sugar, and cardamom powder in a sauce pan over low medium heat. Bring to a boil and Set aside.
  • Melt the clarified butter in a frying pan on low medium heat. Add besan and roast to golden brown color; stirring constantly this will take about 5 to 8 minutes. Besan will be golden brown in color and will have a light sweet aroma.
  • Add the syrup slowly, as you add the syrup to besan water will splatter.
  • Turn down the heat to low and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Besan will absorb the water, as the Halwa cools so keep Halwa a little softer then you like.
  • Garnish with cashews.

Notes

Serving suggestion
Serve hot for best taste. If you like, garnish with shaved pistachio, almonds or shredded coconut.
Variations
Instead of water add 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water and keep Halwa a little thicker. Pour the Halwa on a greased plate, keep it about 1/2 inch thick. Garnish with shaved almonds or pistachio or shredded coconut, and let it cool for about a half an hour. Cut the Halwa in square or diamond shapes like burfi.
Besan Ka Halwa

Besan Ka Halwa

Besan Ka Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert and made using different flour, lentils, nuts and vegetables. Besan Ka Halwa is one of my favorite Halwas. This is delicious and also quick and easy to make. When you roast the besan, the house is full of sweet aroma. Besan Ka Halwa is also gluten free.
4 from 10 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 people

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup coarse besan ladoo ka besan, gram flour
  • 1/2 cup clarified butter ghee
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cardamom powder ilachi
  • 2-1/2 cup water
  • 2 Tbsp almonds sliced

Instructions
 

  • Boil the water with sugar, and cardamom powder in a sauce pan over low medium heat. Bring to a boil and Set aside.
  • Melt the clarified butter in a frying pan on low medium heat. Add besan and roast to golden brown color; stirring constantly this will take about 5 to 8 minutes. Besan will be golden brown in color and will have a light sweet aroma.
  • Add the syrup slowly, as you add the syrup to besan water will splatter.
  • Turn down the heat to low and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Besan will absorb the water, as the Halwa cools so keep Halwa a little softer then you like.
  • Garnish with cashews.

Notes

Serving suggestion
Serve hot for best taste. If you like, garnish with shaved pistachio, almonds or shredded coconut.
Variations
Instead of water add 1 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of water and keep Halwa a little thicker. Pour the Halwa on a greased plate, keep it about 1/2 inch thick. Garnish with shaved almonds or pistachio or shredded coconut, and let it cool for about a half an hour. Cut the Halwa in square or diamond shapes like burfi.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Besan ka Halwa is a classic Indian dessert made from besan (gram flour), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and aromatic spices. This sweet treat is loved for its rich flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible aroma. 

Whether served warm or at room temperature, Besan ka Halwa is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for celebrating special occasions such as a party recipe or even festive occasions such as diwali, holi, ganesh chaturthi or janmashtami or simply made to satisfy one’s sweet tooth. 



Variations of Halwa:

Although Besan ka Halwa can be considered to be one of the most savoury and fulfilling desserts amongst all halwas, here we have a list of some halwas that can be savoured and enjoyed all along with friends and family. 

  1. Gajar ka Halwa: Gajar Ka Halwa is a classical Indian dessert, this is also known as gajraula. Gajar ka Halwa is a delicious and popular sweet made with few ingredients, carrots, milk, sugar and flavoured with cardamom.
  2. Atta Ka Halwa: Atta ka Halwa, is a delicious sweet dessert. This is easy to make and with few ingredients. Atta ka halwa is made with whole wheat flour, sugar, and clarified butter, flavoured with cardamom.
  3. Sooji ka Halwa: Sooji Halwa is a very popular sweet dish all over India and is made on religious occasions, as prasad.
  4. Sweet Potato Halwa: Sweet Potato Halwa, an eggless pudding, stands out as one of the simplest Halwa recipes to prepare. Infused with the delicate and distinctive flavors of cardamom and cinnamon, it serves as a deliciously warm dessert ideal for chilly winter evenings.


Tips for Making Perfect Besan ka Halwa:

Use Good Quality Gram Flour: Use fresh and high-quality gram flour (besan) to make Besan ka Halwa for the best flavor and texture. Fresh besan has a nutty aroma and a smooth texture, which enhances the taste of the halwa.

Roast the Gram Flour Well: Roast the gram flour in ghee until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Properly roasting the gram flour is crucial for developing the rich and nutty flavor of the halwa.

Control the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences. Some people prefer Besan ka Halwa to be sweeter, while others prefer it less sweet. Start with a smaller amount of sugar and add more if needed.

Garnish with Nuts and Saffron: Garnish Besan ka Halwa with chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews, as well as a few strands of saffron for a luxurious touch. The nuts add crunch and texture, while saffron adds color and aroma to the halwa.



FAQs about Besan ka Halwa:



Can I make Besan ka Halwa ahead of time? 

Yes, Besan ka Halwa can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the halwa gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.



Can I freeze Besan ka Halwa? 

While Besan ka Halwa can be frozen, its texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, allow the halwa to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw the halwa in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.



Is Besan ka Halwa vegan-friendly? 

Traditional Besan ka Halwa is made with ghee (clarified butter), which is not vegan. However, you can make a vegan version of Besan ka Halwa by using plant-based ghee or oil instead of dairy ghee.



Is Besan ka Halwa gluten-free? 

Yes, Besan ka Halwa is gluten-free as it is made from gram flour, which is naturally gluten-free. However, be cautious of cross-contamination if you have a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease.

Besan ka Halwa is a luxurious and aromatic dessert that’s perfect for indulging in on special occasions or as a sweet treat for your loved ones. 

With its rich flavor, creamy texture, and endless variations, Besan ka Halwa is sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this halwa is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings and leave you feeling content and happy.

Besan ka Halwa goes best even at marriage and big events hence its often served as people’s favorite choice of sweet dessert after every celebration and is a great hit among family gatherings and unions.

Comments

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    Anum
    December 18, 2020 at 8:53 am

    Thankyou so v v much for the great recipe. Plz let me know 1 cup means 250g? I am v confused about the cup measurement

    Neer
    September 10, 2020 at 1:43 am

    thank you for delicious recipe

    Jeni
    April 1, 2020 at 6:12 am

    Hello Manjula! Thanks a lot for your recipes. I enjoy a lot cooking your dishes. I have one question, I do not live in India and here is quite impossible to get ghee. Can I use Sunflower oil or any other oil to replace it? if so, are the measures the same, or a bit different?

    Thanks a lot!

    King regards,

    Jeni

      Manjula Jain
      April 2, 2020 at 7:15 pm

      Jeni, use unsalted butter about the same

    nicolyrics
    January 9, 2020 at 2:31 am

    I love Besan Ka Halwa very much, even my mom prepared this for me. And i found something very good and nice information at your blog post. Thanks for sharing all the information..

      Manjula Jain
      January 11, 2020 at 10:48 am

      thank you, it always feels good to know if viewers find it informative

    Ryan Tomlinson
    December 30, 2019 at 10:45 pm

    5 stars
    nice thanks for sharing!! This is one of my favorite sweet dishes,, I will try to make it by following your instructions..

    Simi Mohan
    July 22, 2019 at 8:25 am

    Hi I used super fine besan, however there were lumps. Also the consistency was too watery. Any tips? Love you videos 🙂

      Manjula Jain
      July 26, 2019 at 10:19 pm

      Simi, if besan is super fine adding extra sooji helps. In this case, I will suggest you use 3/4 cup of besan and 1/3 cup sooji

    Riya garg
    October 31, 2018 at 9:08 am

    3 stars
    really nice

    Swati
    September 30, 2018 at 10:06 am

    Will it be okay if I grind chana dal at home into coarse powder? I can’t use sooji and the besan I have is very finely powdered. Please advise.

      Manjula Jain
      September 30, 2018 at 12:07 pm

      Swati, use besan and grind just 2-3 tbsp of chana and use that instead of sooji

    Fiona Manonn
    August 31, 2018 at 1:35 am

    4 stars
    Thanks for your recipe Manjula I had tried this at my home and really that is very tasty and my family member feels happy to eat Halwa.

      Manjula Jain
      September 1, 2018 at 12:08 am

      Fiona, Thanks, it is always good to hear that

    Adina
    May 21, 2018 at 7:32 am

    5 stars
    Hi..
    Thanks for all your wonderful receipes.
    Can I use regular besan atta? Or I need coarse one?
    Thks

      Manjula Jain
      May 25, 2018 at 11:34 pm

      Adina, if you use regular besan then replace 2 tablespoons of besan with 2 tablespoons of sooji that will help for texture.

    monika Singh
    March 24, 2018 at 1:55 am

    5 stars
    I made besan ka halwa before but this one is exceptional. This would be going to my dessert on coming navmi. Thanks for sharing such a lovely recipe with us.

    Didina
    March 8, 2018 at 6:21 am

    Thank you Manjula I was looking for a reliable recipe for this halwa and I know yours are…I’ll be making it in the more solid form. Also thank you for the trick to convert this recipe without coarse besan. When I make it I’ll write back, Didina

      Manjula Jain
      March 8, 2018 at 7:02 pm

      Didina, appreciate to hear the result

        Didina
        May 13, 2018 at 10:44 am

        5 stars
        I did this for Mother’s Day, it was much appreciated. Thank you.

        Didina
        January 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

        I did this recipe again but with no dairy. I used coconut oil in place of ghee and a mix of rice milk and coconut milk in place of cow’s milk (I made the squares version). It came out a little softer (maybe I should have cooked it for longer) but it was a hit with everybody and disappeared very soon. Will do it again! I also think that Manjula’s recipes are very, very much superior to those of vegan bloggers, so if you want to cook vegan (which I am not) I suggest sticking to this blog and modifying the recipes if necessary.

          Manjula Jain
          January 31, 2020 at 2:05 am

          sounds good, I will try

    Patel
    February 26, 2018 at 11:05 am

    Wow! I have to giving a try for this