Pumpkin Halwa is a rich and flavorful Indian dessert made with grated pumpkin, ghee, sugar, and aromatic spices. This indulgent dish has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and is infused with the warmth of cardamom and the nutty richness of ghee. Garnished with crunchy nuts and raisins, pumpkin halwa offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice, making it a perfect treat for festive occasions or whenever you’re craving something special. The natural sweetness of pumpkin pairs beautifully with the sugar, creating a comforting and exotic dessert that’s hard to resist.
Pumpkin Halwa Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups grated pumpkin (peeled and seeded)
- 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 1 tablespoon slivered almonds (optional)
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the pumpkin: Grate the pumpkin using a box grater or food processor. Ensure the pumpkin is peeled and seeds removed before grating.
- Cook the pumpkin: In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the grated pumpkin and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pumpkin softens and releases moisture.
- Add the milk and sugar: Pour in the milk and cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the pumpkin to absorb the milk. Then, add the sugar and stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the ghee and spices: Stir in the remaining ghee, cardamom powder, and saffron (if using). Continue cooking the halwa on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches a thick, glossy consistency and the ghee starts to separate from the mixture.
- Toast the nuts and raisins: In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee and toast the chopped cashews and raisins until golden and fragrant. Stir the toasted nuts and raisins into the halwa.
- Serve: Transfer the pumpkin halwa to a serving dish and garnish with slivered almonds for extra crunch. Serve warm or at room temperature.
This pumpkin halwa is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat. It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated when needed, making it a convenient make-ahead dessert for festive celebrations!
