Traditional Bajra Halwa: Sweetness from the Heart

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup bajra (pearl millet) flour
• 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup grated jaggery or sugar (to taste)
• 2 cups water or milk
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like almonds, cashews, or pistachios)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of salt

 

Preparation:

 

Roast the Bajra Flour: Heat 1/2 cup of ghee in a pan. Add the bajra flour and cook on low heat until it turns golden brown and smells nice. Keep stirring to prevent burning.

Boil the Liquid: In another pot, bring the water or milk to a boil. You can use a mix of both for more flavor.

Mix Together: Slowly add the boiling liquid to the roasted flour while stirring to avoid lumps.

Add Sweetener: Stir in the grated jaggery or sugar. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens.

Add Flavor: Mix in the remaining ghee, cardamom powder, and salt. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add Nuts: Stir in the chopped nuts and cook for a couple more minutes.

Serve: Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm, with extra nuts on top if you like.