Khajur ka Halwa - Indian Date Pudding/Halwa

Whatever be the health benefits of dates, I can vouch for the fact that it energies and revitalizes the body instantly. Its also an instant mood booster.

Well it doesn't seem to do anything instantly on my body or mind but it surely does on M. He is obsessed with dates and from more than a year I don't remember a day he misses his daily dose of dates. On any given day, you can probably find more than three varieties of date in our little apartment. One on the kitchen counter, another type on his study table and yet another which he hides in his closet. You thought I was using the word obsession lightly didn't you?

A couple of years back he had similar obsession with eating a banana everyday. And whenever he was upset or annoyed, I would ask him "Should I get you a banana?".  Now, with dates being the food that makes him happy my question has got a little more vulgar. Any guesses? I'm sorry, I'm just trying to make my man smile.
(In case you didn't get this paragraph, forget you ever read it!)

When I can save some dates from M's daily snacking, I  make this very simple, quick and almost healthy halwa.  Even though we call it halwa, the consistency of this halwa is more like pudding. It relies on  the natural sweetness of dates, and can be eaten as dessert or spread like a jam on toast for breakfast.

This recipe has been featured on Glamour Magazine under Health and Fitness section. 

Khajur ka Halwa - Indian Date Pudding/Halwa
Serves 4-5
Click here for printable recipe

Ingredients
250 g Khalas dates*
2 cups milk
1 tbsp ghee
2-3 tbsp condensed milk
1 tsp cardamom powder
A generous pinch of saffron
Pistachio (or your choice of nuts) to garnish

Notes

* I used Khalas dates but any dark skinned, soft and sweet variety of dates will be perfectly good to use.

Method

Pit and lightly crush the dates. My mother in law has an obsession with washing everything. Our family needs all kind of help!

In a deep bottomed saucepan, heat ghee.

Add the dates  and let them toast in the ghee for about a minute till the mixture slightly darkens further.

Add the milk, cardamom, saffron and mix well. Once mixture starts to thicken, you can taste it and add condensed milk as per sweetness required.

Its done when the mixture is still pourable but with a slight bang on spoon.

It will thicken further as it cools. Let it set in the fridge for about an hour before serving. Garnish with nuts.