Anjeer Halwa

Rich and luscious Indian dessert made with dried figs, dates, and mava, flavored with saffron and cardamom
Yield: Serves 6 | Total time: 45 minutes

A deeply satisfying and aromatic halva, where soft dried figs and dates blend seamlessly with rich mava and pure ghee. The subtle saffron and cardamom notes elevate the natural sweetness, making it a perfect festive treat or indulgent dessert.

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Ingredients

Fruit Puree

• 250 g dried figs (soaked in warm water until soft)

• 100 g soft dates (stone removed)

Other Ingredients

• 100 g mava (grated)

• 150 g pure ghee

• ½ gm saffron (soaked in 1 tbsp water)

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

• Sugar (to taste)

For Garnish

• Chopped dry fruits (cashews, almonds, pistachios, etc.)

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Method

1. Prepare the fruit puree:
   Coarsely grind the soaked figs and dates together, adding a little warm water or milk to form a thick puree. Set aside.

2. Grate mava:
   Grate the mava finely and keep aside.

3. Cook the halva base:
   Heat the ghee in a non-stick kadhai on medium-low heat. Add the fig-date puree and roast it gently, stirring continuously, until the ghee starts to separate from the mixture.

4. Add mava and flavorings:
   Mix in the grated mava, soaked saffron (including the water), and cardamom powder. Stir thoroughly to combine.

5. Cook until smooth:
   Keep stirring continuously until the mava dissolves completely and blends well with the fig-date mixture.

6. Sweeten:
   Add sugar to taste. Since figs and dates are naturally sweet, adjust sugar according to preference. Stir well once more.

7. Serve:
   Serve the halva warm or at room temperature. Drain any excess ghee if needed and garnish with chopped dry fruits of your choice.

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Chef’s Notes

• Soaking the figs properly is crucial to getting a smooth puree and a soft texture.

• Adjust ghee quantity if you prefer a richer or lighter halva.

• You can substitute milk for water while grinding for a creamier taste.

• The halva thickens as it cools; reheat gently before serving if needed.

• Garnishing with toasted dry fruits adds a lovely crunch and visual appeal.