Recipe of the Month

Lalita Bai Krishnan

Khus Khus Halwa

Introduction

Khus Khus halwa is an ancient, traditional recipe made in Arya Vaishya homes. This super cooling halwa is made in summer to prevent the body heat and also conditioning the entire system. Children who play under the sun are usually prone to dehydration. They also tend to fall sick with stomach related issues. This halwa treats all kinds of abdominal related issues very effectively. This halwa is not only healthy but also a super delicious, healthy addictive.

‘Khus Khus’ in English refers to Poppy seeds. These seeds are said to have enormous nutritional value. They are good antioxidants too. They induce qualitative sleep and cures insomnia, if consumed on a regular basis. The Poppy seeds also relieves pain, calms the nerves, keeps the heart healthy, nourishes the hair and tones the skin.

Ingredients

1. Khus Khus seeds – 1 cup.
2. Nutmeg powder – ½ a tsp.
3. Milk – 3 cups.
4. Sugar – 2 cups.
5. Ghee – ½ a cup.

Procedure

1. Wash & soak the Khus Khus in water for an hour.
2. Then filter the Khus Khus and rinse thoroughly.
3. Discard the soaked water. Grind the soaked Khus Khus in a grinder using the milk into a fine paste.
4. Add the remaining milk and mix.
5. Use a deep wok to sauté the halwa.
6. Transfer the ground Khus Khua to the wok and heat it.
7. Lower the flame and close the wok with a lid for few seconds.
8. Then remove the lid and keep stirring constantly till it thickens to 3/4th consistency.
9. Add the sugar and keep stirring. (The whole process is made only using low flame to prevent the splashing of the halwa.)
10. When the splashing stops, add ghee, little by little.
11. Add the nutmeg powder. Keep stirring till the halwa leaves the wok and forms a ball-like form.

This process of making the halwa usually takes 35 – 40 mins.