Badam Halwa

Ever since my childhood, I have been encouraged to have a tablespoon of this halwa every morning in the winters. I used to look forward to winters because of this morning ritual. This is a rich recipe and one can't have too much of it at one time -but it is delicious nevertheless. It has been my all time favorite winter recipe.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almonds, soaked overnight
• 1/3 cup milk
• 4 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
• 3 tbsp ghee

For the garnish

• 2 to 3 almonds, peeled and sliced

1. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over the almonds. Leave aside for 5 minutes.
2. Drain and remove the skins of the almonds.
3. Purée the almonds with 4 tablespoons of milk to a smooth paste in a blender.
4. Heat the ghee in a non-stick kadhai and add the almond purée. Cook over a slow
4. flame while stirring continuously till the mixture turns golden brown (approx. 15 minutes).
5. Boil together the remaining milk with 4 tablespoons of water, add to the almond mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.
6. Add the sugar and cardamom powder and cook till the sugar has dissolved, while stirring continuously.
7. Serve hot, garnished with the almonds.

If you don't have these ingredients, try making this  Halwa  . It's simply delicious and incredibly easy to make.