Apple Halva
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Halva is a delightful Indian sweet dish made with grated apples, ghee, and cardamom, resulting in a rich, aromatic dessert.
Ingredients
- 3 cups peeled, grated green apples (can use any variety of apple)
- 1 tsp ghee (clarified butter) + 1 1/2 tsp
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp crushed cardamom
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a thick-bottomed saucepan or wok, add 1 tsp of ghee and turn the heat on to medium.
- As the ghee begins to melt, add the grated apples and stir well to coat them evenly with the ghee.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and have released their juices.
- Uncover the pan and add the sweetened condensed milk, stirring continuously to combine well with the apples.
- Continue to cook the mixture on medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, about 15-20 minutes.
- Add the remaining 1 1/2 tsp of ghee and the crushed cardamom, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Transfer the halva to a serving dish and garnish with chopped nuts if desired. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples, but green apples provide a nice tartness.
- For a richer flavor, increase the amount of ghee.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Indian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 35
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 40
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 15
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Frequently Asked Questions
What texture should halva have, and how do I know when it’s done?
Apple halva is a thick, pudding-like sweet. The instructions tell you it’s ready when the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan — that usually takes 15–20 minutes of stirring over medium heat after adding the condensed milk. Transfer it to a serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature.
Does the variety of apple affect the result?
The notes say any variety works, but green apples are recommended because they provide a pleasant tartness that balances the sweetness of the 1/2 cup of condensed milk and the cardamom. 
Why is ghee added in two stages rather than all at once?
The 1 tsp at the start coats the grated apples and prevents them sticking while they soften and release their juices. The remaining 1 1/2 tsp is stirred in at the end along with the cardamom to enrich the finished halva — a finish-with-fat technique common in Indian sweets.
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