Creamy Pumpkin Halwa with Cashews and Cardamom Recipe
Pumpkin Halwa is a rich and indulgent Indian dessert made with grated pumpkin, ghee, milk, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. This warm, sweet halwa is perfect for festive occasions and winter evenings, combining the natural sweetness of pumpkin with the creamy texture of milk and the nuttiness of cashews and raisins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 Cups Pumpkin, Grated
- 3 Tablespoons Ghee
- 10-12 Cashews
- 10-12 Golden Raisins
- ½ Cup Milk, full-fat whole milk
- ⅓ Cup Sugar (adjust as per your preference)
- ¼ Teaspoon Cardamom Powder
Instructions
- Prepare Nuts: Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add cashews and golden raisins and sauté until the cashews turn golden brown and raisins puff up. Remove the nuts and set aside.
- Cook Pumpkin: In the same pan, add the remaining ghee and grated pumpkin. Sauté on medium heat for about 7-10 minutes until the raw smell of the pumpkin disappears and it softens slightly.
- Add Milk and Cook: Pour in the milk and stir well. Cook the mixture on medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the pumpkin absorbs the milk and becomes soft and thick. This may take around 15-20 minutes.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Add the sugar and cardamom powder to the pumpkin mixture. Stir continuously and cook until the halwa thickens further and the sugar fully dissolves, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish with Nuts: Mix in the sautéed cashews and raisins. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring carefully to blend all the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm. Pumpkin Halwa can be enjoyed on its own or garnished with extra nuts for added texture.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of your pumpkin and your taste preference.
- You can substitute milk with condensed milk for a richer flavor, but reduce the sugar accordingly.
- Use fresh grated pumpkin for the best texture and flavor.
- Stir continuously once sugar is added to prevent the mixture from sticking to the pan and burning.
- Ghee can be increased for a richer taste, but 3 tablespoons balance flavor and health well.
