Sweet Potato Halwa| Shakarkandi halwa

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Sweet Potato halwa is totally different and yummy from the regular ones. Its soft , melt in mouth and have the goodness of sweet potato

Sweet potato is a wonderful source of vitamins. It is packed with so many health benefits. It is apt during fasting as it helps withstand hunger for a longer time.

Usually Sweet potatoes are pressure cooked and consumed as it is. This halwa is totally different and yummy from the regular ones. So it’s a yummy excuse to eat sweets during the festival days.

This is such a easy and quick recipe. All it needs are the basic ingredients. The first step is to cook sweet potato. Once that is done the remaining is a child's play.

What is Halwa

Halwa or Halva is a sweet dish originated in Persia and is very popular in the middle East. The word 'Halwa' comes from the Arabic word 'hulw', which means sweet.

It is actually brought to India many centuries ago and is still popular and in demand.

Halwa refers to a creamy sweet Indian Pudding. It is usually prepared with flour, sugar , ghee , nuts . Sometimes, we prepare halwa even with vegetables or fruits.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato - Add fresh sweet potato. You can use either Purple or Orange sweet Potato too. In India we get a light yellow colored sweet potato. I am using that today. But all varieties of sweet potato works well , they have the similar texture.

Sugar - Adding for sweetness. You can also replace granulated sugar with Jaggery or any other sweeteners. But i recommend granulated sugar here as it gives the right texture and retains the color.

Saffron soaked in milk - Gives a light yellow tint for the halwa.

Cardamom Powder - Freshly ground cardamom powder gives an authentic aroma to the halwa.

Ghee - Sauteing the nuts and sweet potato in ghee gives an fantastic flavor to the halwa. Also in enhances the taste and texture of the halwa.

Nuts - Adds richness and a bit of crunchiness to the halwa. I prefer adding sliced almonds and cashew nuts. Pistachios or even walnuts works great.

FAQ's

What vitamin is sweet potato high in?

Sweet Potato's are rich in vitamins and minerals. They are also a rich source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium

Is sweet potato high in sugar?

Though sweet potato are sweeter compared to the regular potato. They are low on glycemic index. Hence it will never cause a raise in blood sugar level. However it is advised to consume them in moderation as per doctor's instruction if you are diabetic.

What are benefits of sweet potatoes?

Studies show that sweet potatoes have various health benefits. It is good for lowering LDA level (bad cholesterol). It is has nutrients that favor pregnant mommy in their child growth. Sweet potato also boost brain health and maintain a healthy vision.

How to make Sweet Potato Halwa

In a pressure cooker add Sweet potato and cook for 3 whistles. Soak Saffron in luke warm milk and set aside.

Once the pressure is released, allow the sweet potato to cool down completely. Peel the skin and mash it really well such that no lumps remains.

Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan add cashew nuts and Almonds.

Fry till they are golden and set aside.

In the same pan add cooked and mashed sweet potato. Allow it to cook for 5 mins in a low flame.

Next add sugar. The sugar starts to melt, keep cooking in low flame.

And then add saffron soaked milk. Mix well and cook the halwa. It will have a gooey consistency at this stage

Next add cardamom powder combine everything together.

Now add 1 tbsp of ghee at a time and stir and cook the halwa.

Add the remaining ghee and keep cooking till the halwa leaves the sides of the pan.

Finally add ghee fried nuts combine everything and switch off.

Sweet Potato halwa is now ready.

Top Tips

Adjust the amount of sugar as per your taste as the sweet potato already have the natural sweetness.

The halwa gets cooked very fast as the sweet potato are already cooked. So cook in a low flame to avoid getting burnt.

You can definitely use more ghee if you prefer.

You can also make sweet potato halwa with condensed milk as an alternate to sugar. If using use ½ cup of condensed milk.

sweet potato halwa with jaggery also has the similar texture but may have a slightly different color.

Make sure you stir constantly towards the end to prevent the halwa from getting burnt.

Serving Suggestion.

Tastes best when enjoyed warm topped with nuts. Makes a perfect dessert for any occasions.

Storing options.

You can always cool the halwa completely and store them in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

Or you can freeze them up to a month.

To serve again , reheat in a microwave until warm or for 1 min and serve.

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