Best Easy Moong Dal Halwa Recipe

Moong Dal Halwa is a rich, aromatic Indian dessert slow-cooked with ghee, sugar, and cardamom until luscious. This beloved sweet is a family tradition for festivals, celebrations, and special occasions.

Cook 90 min Difficulty HARD 350 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • yellow moong dal 1 cup
  • ghee (clarified butter) 1 cup
  • whole milk 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • sugar 1 cup
  • cardamom powder 1 tsp
  • slivered almonds 2 tbsp
  • saffron strands (optional) 1 pinch
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 42 g 48%
Protein 8 g 9%
Fat 15 g 43%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Rinse 1 cup yellow moong dal thoroughly, then soak in water for at least 5 hours or overnight for even cooking.

  2. 2

    Drain the dal and grind into a coarse paste without adding excess water—this helps maintain a granular halwa texture.

  3. 3

    Heat 1 cup ghee in a heavy-bottom pan on medium-low. Add the moong dal paste and sauté, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and fragrant (about 30–35 minutes).

  4. 4

    Gradually pour in 2 cups whole milk, stirring vigorously to avoid lumps while keeping the heat medium-low. Simmer until the mixture thickens and ghee begins to separate.

  5. 5

    Add 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp cardamom powder, saffron strands, and cook, stirring, until the halwa turns glossy and reaches a rich, luscious consistency (about 10–15 minutes more). Garnish with slivered almonds before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Moong Dal Halwa Recipe?
The key ingredient is yellow moong dal, which gives the halwa its signature nutty flavor and creamy, luscious texture. Slow-cooking the dal in ghee brings out its uniquely rich aroma and taste.
Q. How important is heat control during this recipe?
Maintaining medium-low heat is crucial, especially when frying the dal paste in ghee for about 30–35 minutes. Careful, patient sautéing prevents burning and creates the characteristic golden color and depth of flavor.
Q. How can I prevent my halwa from turning lumpy or dry?
To avoid lumps, be sure to stir vigorously and pour milk in gradually after roasting the dal. Continual stirring and slow cooking ensure moisture is retained, and finishing with the correct amount of ghee and milk keeps the halwa moist and glossy.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each 120 g serving of Moong Dal Halwa contains around 350 kcal and 8 g protein, with carbohydrates making up 42 g (48% of calories) and fat at 15 g (43% of calories).
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