Besan Ka Halwa (Kadalai Maavu Halwa) is a rich, aromatic Indian dessert made with roasted gram flour, ghee and sugar. Here is an easy step-by-step recipe with photos to make a glossy, melt-in-the-mouth halwa for Diwali and festive celebrations!
Besan ka halwa in Hindi (Kadalai maavu halwa in Tamil) is a rich and delicious Indian dessert recipe. It is prepared with besan flour, sugar, ghee, milk or water flavored with cardamom powder and garnished with nuts. Though it is a very simple recipe, it needs some patience and continuous attention to make it perfect. Roasting besan flour patiently is the key to make a flavorful halwa, otherwise halwa tastes and smells raw.
This halwa can be prepared adding water or milk. Color of halwa varies as per the use. I used water here. For variations, you can use jaggery instead of sugar. Do not reduce the quantity of ghee and sugar mentioned. It will affect the taste and texture of this besan halwa. For making this halwa, I used pure cow’s ghee from Ghee store. It came so well! Friends, do try this Besan Ka Halwa and let me know your feedback.
Let’s see how to make besan ka halwa using pure cow ghee with step by step pictures.
Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens
- Besan Selection: In US grocery stores, look for fine gram flour (besan) from Indian brands like Laxmi, Swad or Deep. If using chickpea flour from stores like Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, sift it through a fine-mesh strainer to ensure a lump-free, silky batter.
- Stove Heat Management: When cooking on electric coil or glass-top stoves, keep the burner on medium-low while roasting besan. Electric cooktops retain heat intensely and can scorch gram flour rapidly, so stir continuously with a silicone spatula or flat wooden ladle.
- Ghee & Dairy Choice: High-quality pure cow ghee or grass-fed organic ghee (available at Costco, Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods) gives this halwa an authentic traditional aroma. If using whole milk instead of water, use warm whole milk to prevent curdling.
- Texture Variation: For a subtle nutty crunch and pleasant coarse mouthfeel similar to North Indian prasad halwa, stir in 2 tablespoons of sooji / semolina along with the besan before roasting.
Besan Ka Halwa Recipe (Kadalai Maavu Halwa)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Besan flour / Kadalai maavu (approx. 120g / 4.2 oz) gram flour
- ¾ cup Sugar (approx. 150g / 5.3 oz) add up to 1 cup for more sweetness
- ½ cup Melted ghee (approx. 120 ml / 4 fl oz) divided: 1/3 cup for roasting + 2 tbsp at end
- 1 ½ cups Water (approx. 360 ml / 12 fl oz) at room temperature (or boiled milk)
- ½ tsp Cardamom powder
- 10 to 12 Cashew nuts chopped, to garnish
Instructions
- Add 1/3 cup of melted ghee in a heavy-bottomed kadai or thick non-stick pan and heat gently. Add the besan flour and roast on low to medium flame for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and releases a rich, nutty aroma.
- Lower the flame completely and gradually pour in room-temperature water (or boiled milk at room temperature). Stir quickly to break up any lumps. Continue mixing until the liquid is fully absorbed by the besan. Once thick, add sugar and mix on low flame until it dissolves completely.
- Keep the flame on medium and stir continuously for a few minutes. The halwa will thicken, turn glossy and start pulling away from the sides of the pan.
- Continue mixing until the halwa leaves the pan completely and gathers as a single mass. Add cardamom powder, chopped cashew nuts and the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee. Mix well for a minute.
- Once the ghee is well incorporated and the halwa is rich and glossy, switch off the flame. Transfer to a bowl or serving plate and serve warm or hot!
Notes
- You can add boiled milk at room temperature instead of water. The color and richness of the halwa will differ slightly if you add milk.
- Add up to 1 cup of sugar if you prefer a sweeter halwa.
- Do not reduce the quantity of ghee, as it is essential for the soft texture, aroma and glossy finish.
- You can also substitute whole wheat flour (atta) for besan using the same method.
- For variation, add 2 tablespoons of suji / rava (semolina) along with the besan while roasting to give a pleasant, slightly grainy texture.
Sharing is caring
Do try this easy, yummy besan ka halwa and share your feedback!
For more traditional festive ideas, check out my complete collection of South Indian Diwali Sweets and Snacks Recipes.
Can I use jaggery instead of sugar?
Yes,you can try.