Whenever I think of halwa, my mind goes to classics like suji, atta, or besan halwa. But ever since I tried Poha Halwa — also known as Aval Kesari or Avalakki Kesari — it has become one of my absolute favourites.
In South Indian homes, this dish is lovingly called Aval Kesari and is especially popular during festivals like Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Janmashtami. While sweet poha variations are enjoyed across India with their little twists,...
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In a saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add sugar, cardamom powder or 4 pods, saffron or turmeric, and salt.
Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, which takes about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
In a dry pan, roast the poha on low-medium heat for 2-3 minutes until it turns crisp.
Let it cool slightly, then pulse it in a blender to make a coarse powder, but not very fine.
Heat ghee in the same pan.
Add the roughly chopped or diced almonds and fry until lightly golden. Remove and keep aside.
If using additional dry fruits like raisins, fry them separately until they puff up.
In the same ghee, add the ground poha and roast for 3-4 minutes until aromatic.
Gradually pour the prepared sugar syrup into the roasted poha, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook the mixture until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan, reaching a pudding-like consistency, which takes about 5-8 minutes.
Stir in the fried almonds and other dry fruits if using, mix well, and turn off the heat.
Poha Halwa is ready! Enjoy!
Coarsely grind the poha for a soft and slightly grainy texture.
A small pinch of turmeric works beautifully if you don't have saffron.
You can add cashews, pistachios, or raisins if you like.
Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Add a splash of water while reheating to make it soft again.
Serve warm for a soft halwa or chilled for a slightly firm texture.
Can I use other types of rice instead of poha?
Poha is specifically used for its texture and flavor, but you can experiment with other types of rice, keeping in mind that the cooking time and texture may vary.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
You can replace ghee with a plant-based oil or vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.
Can I store Poha Halwa for later?
Yes, you can store Poha Halwa in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
What can I serve with Poha Halwa?
Poha Halwa can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of fresh fruits or a dollop of yogurt.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, Poha Halwa is gluten-free as it is made from flattened rice.
Can I make Poha Halwa ahead of time?
Yes! Reheat with a splash of water before serving.
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