Roasted Moong Dal Halwa : After a hearty meal, nothing satisfies the sweet tooth quite like a traditional Indian dessert. Among the many delightful options, Moong Dal Halwa stands out for its rich, nutty flavor and melt-in-the-mouth texture. While many assume making halwa is time-consuming, this roasted moong dal halwa recipe is surprisingly quick and foolproof. Perfect for festivals, family gatherings, or even a cozy rainy-day indulgence, this dessert will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why This Recipe Works

  • No soaking required – Roasting the dal first cuts down prep time.

  • Rich & aromatic – Desi ghee and khoya (mawa) enhance the flavor.

  • Long shelf life – Stays fresh for 3–4 days, ideal for make-ahead desserts.

Step-by-Step Moong Dal Halwa Recipe

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 2 cups split yellow moong dal (washed & dried)

  • 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)

  • 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)

  • ½ cup khoya (mawa), grated

  • 3 cups water

  • ½ tsp cardamom powder

  • Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) for garnish

Method

1. Roast the Moong Dal

  • Heat a kadhai (wok) on medium flame and dry-roast the moong dal until golden brown (8–10 mins). Stir continuously to avoid burning.

  • Let it cool, then grind into a coarse powder (fine grinding makes halwa sticky).

2. Cook the Halwa

  • In the same kadhai, heat ghee. Add the ground dal and roast for 2–3 mins.

  • Pour water, mix well, and cook until the mixture thickens (5–7 mins).

  • Add khoya, sugar, and cardamom powder. Stir continuously until the halwa leaves the sides of the pan and ghee separates.

3. Garnish & Serve

  • Top with chopped nuts and serve warm. For extra richness, drizzle with a spoon of ghee.

Pro Tips

 For a deeper flavor, roast the dal on low heat for longer.
Replace sugar with jaggery for a healthier twist.
Store in an airtight container; reheat with a splash of milk or ghee.