Pineapple Halwa

Pineapple Halva

A fragrant and sweet halva combining juicy pineapple, creamy mava, and soft sponge cake for a unique twist
Yield: Serves 6 | Total time: 50 minutes

This delightful halva features the tropical freshness of pineapple, slowly cooked to caramelized perfection, enriched with mava and softened sponge cake. Cardamom adds a warm aroma, making it an indulgent dessert suitable for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 500 g fresh pineapple (peeled and grated or finely chopped) (or canned pineapple if fresh not available)

• 50 g mava

• 50 g pure ghee

• 100 g sponge cake (with tutti frutti), crumbled by hand

• ½ tsp cardamom powder

• Sugar (to taste)

For Garnish

• Almond chips

• Chaloori (flaked dry coconut)

• Pistachio slices

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Method

1. Cook pineapple:
   In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the grated or finely chopped pineapple. Sauté on medium-high heat, stirring continuously and steadily, until about 80% of the pineapple juice evaporates and the fruit becomes soft and cooked through.

2. Add ghee:
   Stir in the pure ghee and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.

3. Mix mava:
   Add the mava and stir thoroughly until it is well incorporated and melts into the pineapple mixture.

4. Sweeten:
   Add sugar to taste, balancing sweetness with the natural pineapple tartness. Stir well.

5. Add sponge cake:
   Crumble the sponge cake by hand and gently fold it into the halva mixture, mixing evenly.

6. Flavor with cardamom:
   Sprinkle the cardamom powder and stir to combine the fragrant spice throughout.

7. Serve:
   Garnish the halva with almond chips, chaloori, and pistachio slices. Serve hot or chilled as desired.

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Chef’s Notes

• Fresh pineapple gives the best flavor, but canned pineapple works well in a pinch—just drain it thoroughly.

• The slow evaporation of pineapple juice is key for a rich, concentrated flavor and proper halva texture.

• Using sponge cake adds a lovely soft texture and slight fruity sweetness from tutti frutti.

• Adjust sugar depending on the sweetness of the pineapple used.

• Garnishing with dry fruits adds crunch and visual appeal, enhancing the eating experience.