Diwali, the festival of lights, is synonymous with vibrant decorations, festive gatherings, and an abundance of sweets. One such iconic Indian sweet that’s bound to steal the show is the Bombay Karachi Halwa. Known for its glossy, chewy texture and rich flavor, this traditional dessert is a must-have during the festive season. Whether you're hosting friends or gifting sweets to loved ones, making this halwa at home is sure to impress everyone.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe to create this delicious Bombay Karachi Halwa and add a special touch to your Diwali celebrations.
Ingredients for Bombay Karachi Halwa: 1 cup Cornflour
3 cups Water
2 cups Sugar
1 cup Ghee (Clarified Butter)
½ tsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp Cardamom Powder
¼ cup Chopped Nuts (Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios)
Food Color (Orange, Yellow, or Green, as per your choice)
How to Make Bombay Karachi Halwa:In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of cornflour with 3 cups of water. Stir thoroughly until there are no lumps, and the mixture becomes smooth. Set it aside for a few minutes. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 2 cups of sugar with 1 cup of water. Stir continuously on medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Once it dissolves, add ½ tsp of lemon juice to prevent the sugar syrup from crystallizing. Continue cooking until the syrup reaches a one-string consistency (when the syrup forms a thin string between your fingers). Once the sugar syrup is ready, slowly pour in the cornflour mixture while stirring continuously. Keep stirring to avoid any lumps. As the mixture thickens, you will see it becoming glossy and transparent.
Now, begin adding ghee in small portions, around 1-2 tablespoons at a time. Stir well after each addition, allowing the halwa to absorb the ghee completely before adding more. Keep stirring until the halwa starts leaving the sides of the pan and gets a glossy, smooth texture. This step will take around 10-15 minutes.Once the halwa starts pulling together, add your preferred food color (traditionally orange, yellow, or green). Stir in 1 tsp of cardamom powder for flavor, and mix well.
Toss in the chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios) and give everything a good mix. The nuts will give the halwa a delightful crunch and enhance the flavor. Grease a tray or plate with ghee, and pour the prepared halwa mixture into it. Use a spatula or back of a spoon to level it evenly. Let the halwa cool down completely for about an hour. Once it sets, you can cut it into squares or diamond shapes. Your Bombay Karachi Halwa is now ready to be served! Store it in an airtight container, and enjoy it during Diwali celebrations or share it with friends and family.