Apple Halva
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings
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. 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?
Any variety works, but I recommend green apples 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.
bookmarking this for when the apples come in
Hi Prerna, you have a lovely name and beautiful blog. The picture make me realize the dishes are mouth watering