Atta Halwa is a popular north Indian dessert recipe with wheat flour, ghee, and sugar. With an equal amount of sugar and ghee, this recipe is perfect as a dessert. I have shared several Halwa recipes in the past, and today’s recipe is associated with Indian festivals more than any other Halwa. I agree to be sent email.
Why this recipe works
You can try this for the Navratri festival (or Diwali too). I am using whole wheat flour and replacing sugar with Jaggery (Palm-based). I am also replacing Ghee with oil (or using vegan ghee) as vegan alternatives. It is amazing how many people are still surprised that Ghee can be replaced in almost all Indian dessert recipes. I hope this recipe will be an eye-opener to change your opinion about using Ghee. It has the same melt-in-your-mouth taste that we crave. The important part of getting it right is the quantity and making sure that there are no lumps formed when you mix the ingredients. When you get it right, it stays good for several days. Preparing this took less than 30 minutes from scratch and didn’t need special ingredients. Wheat flour Halwa can be paired with a cup of hot coffee or Chai for a truly satisfying experience. Lastly, you can mix in any dry fruits like almonds or raisins. Try it today and let me know how you like it!
Choice of sweetener
This wheat flour halwa is made with wheat flour, oil, and a sweetener. The sweetener is traditionally sugar, but I have used jaggery instead. If you want to avoid sugar in your desserts, then this atta halwa is perfect for you. Both the options are equally tasty, and it is only a matter of taste preference. Originally this “Atta Halwa,” wheat flour halwa is from north India. They serve as an offering at temples. Given the traditional and religious background, it is not a vegan dessert inherently. I have looked for vegan alternatives so that this wonderful, delicious dessert becomes an option for vegans too!
How to make this
Heat the olive oil in a medium-size pan. Roast the wheat flour in the corn oil or avocado oil on a low flame for about 7- 8 minutes or until you get a roasted texture. Meanwhile, dilute the jaggery in 2 ¼ cups of water in a separate pan. Simmer the jaggery water over medium flame. When jaggery dissolves and starts to boil, remove it from heat. Pour the sweet jaggery mix into the roasted flour gradually and continue to stir the flour to avoid any lumps. Add cardamom powder, vegan ghee, and roasted nuts (optional) and continue to stir for about 3-4 minutes, and turn off the heat. Wheat Flour Halwa is ready. Spread it in a separate bowl and let it cool. Enjoy the vegan atta halwa with coffee or chai.
Expert tips
Here are some important tips and recommendations to make your perfect Atta halwa today:
You must roast wheat flour with oil and ensure it mixes properly in low to medium heat. This will help avoid having undercooked or burnt flour. Use avocado oil or vegan ghee instead of corn oil for better results. Sugar brings better texture than jaggery. Use your judgment to choose jaggery, sugar, or a 50-50 combination. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the sweetness. Roasted cashews and almonds can be used at the end to garnish the dessert, but that’s optional.
Related recipes
Vegan Carrot HalwaButternut Squash Halwa (Instant Pot)Vegan Condensed Milk Recipe Gluten Free Chapati (Quinoa Flour)
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