Fried Wheat Milk Halwa
A rich and unique Parsi sweet dish made from dried wheat starch (wheat milk) that is rehydrated and slow-cooked in ghee and sugar. This traditional preparation transforms into translucent, gelatinous morsels with a chewy texture, studded with crunchy fried almonds and perfumed with cardamom, nutmeg, and rose water. Often compared to a rustic version of Bombay Ice Halwa, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and a deep, buttery flavor profile.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Dried wheat starch (wheat milk) (Originally '1 sher sukvelu ghaunnu dudh'. This is dried wheat starch/gluten chunks.)
- 2 cups Ghee (Originally '1 sher'. Used for frying and cooking.)
- 2 cups Granulated sugar (Originally '1 sher'.)
- 1/2 cup Almonds (Originally 'navtank' (approx 2 oz). Blanched and halved.)
- 1 tablespoon Cardamom powder (Originally '0.5 tola' (approx 6g).)
- 1 teaspoon Nutmeg powder (Originally '0.5 tola' (approx 6g).)
- 5 teaspoons Rose water (Originally '5 small spoons'.)
- 1 cup Cold water (Originally '0.5 sher' (approx 8-10 oz). Used for soaking.)
Instructions
- 1Peel the almonds and cut each into two pieces. Crush the cardamom and nutmeg into a fine powder.
- 2Soak the dried wheat starch (wheat milk) in the cold water. Once soaked, add the sugar to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- 3In a tinned vessel or large kadhai (wok), heat the ghee thoroughly. Add the prepared almonds and fry them until they turn a crisp, golden-brown color. Remove the almonds with a perforated spoon and set aside.
- 4Reduce the heat to low or place the vessel over embers. The soaked wheat mixture may have settled at the bottom, so stir it well again to recombine. Pour the wheat and sugar mixture into the hot ghee. Stir constantly with a spatula.
- 5Continue cooking and turning the mixture until the white color changes and becomes clear and translucent ('nitro'). Do not break up any lumps that form; keep them whole (about the size of a betel nut or slightly smaller). Do not allow the mixture to brown or turn red. Once clear, sprinkle the rose water over the top. Remove from heat after a short moment.
- 6Immediately after removing from the heat, mix in the fried almonds, cardamom powder, and nutmeg powder. Serve warm or at room temperature.