APPLE HALWA RECIPE: My First Farm-Fresh Dessert

As i recently got married into an orchardist family, I found myself surrounded by something wonderful this harvest season— an endless supply of fresh apples straight from the orchard!

With so many apples on hand, I wanted to try something new and special. That’s when I thought of making apple halwa, a warm and comforting Indian dessert.

It’s my first time making this dish, but with these farm-fresh apples, I couldn’t resist giving it a try. I’m excited to share this simple and delicious recipe with you, straight from my kitchen to yours!

INGREDIENTS:

* 1 kg apples (sweet variety, fresh from the farm if possible!)

* 2 tablespoons ghee (or neutral oil for a vegan version)

* Jaggery or sweetener of your choice (as per taste)

* 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

* 1 teaspoon cardamom powder

* Dry fruits (optional, for garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by rinsing your apples in cold water. After peeling them, you can either chop them into small pieces or grate them, depending on the texture you prefer.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a wok or deep pan. Add the chopped or grated apples and sauté over low to medium heat. Let them cook until they soften. If needed, you can add a tablespoon of water to speed up the cooking. For an extra smooth halwa, feel free to mash the apples as they cook.

3. Once the apples have softened, add jaggery or your preferred sweetener. Stir everything well and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the apples and sweetener to blend together beautifully.

4. Sprinkle in the cinnamon and cardamom powders. Stir thoroughly and cook until the spices are well combined with the apples. Keep stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture starts to pull away from the sides of the pan.

5. Garnish your halwa with your favorite dry fruits—almonds, cashews, or pistachios add a nice crunch. Serve it warm or hot. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

FARM-FRESH TIPS & SECRETS:

1. Choosing the Right Apples: Sweet apple varieties work best for halwa. Fuji, Gala, or even Red Delicious are perfect. If you use tart apples like Granny Smith, you may need to add more sugar to balance the flavors.

2. Sweetener Choices: Feel free to skip the sugar if your apples are naturally sweet. You can also try alternative sweeteners like coconut sugar, jaggery, or

maple syrup. Avoid honey, as it becomes toxic when heated.

3. Vegan Version: To make this recipe vegan, replace the ghee with a neutral oil like sunflower oil or go with coconut oil for a slightly tropical twist.

4. Spice It Up: Cinnamon and cardamom are traditional spices, but you can experiment with vanilla extract, nutmeg, or even a pinch of saffron for a unique flavor.

5. Add Some Crunch: Dry fruits like raisins, almonds, cashews, or walnuts are great for adding texture. Feel free to mix in whatever you have on hand.

6. Experiment with Other Fruits: If you love this recipe, try it with other seasonal fruits. Pears, mangoes, or peaches can all be used in place of apples, giving you a new flavor profile each time.

7. Storage Tips:

* Refrigeration: After cooling, store the apple halwa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

* Freezing: You can also freeze portions of the halwa in freezer-safe containers or bags. It stays good for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

8. Reheating Tips:**

* Microwave: For small portions, microwave the halwa in 30-second intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

* Stovetop: For larger portions, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water or a teaspoon of ghee to refresh the texture while warming up.

I hope you enjoy making this apple halwa as much as I did! Whether you're making it for the first time, like me, or it’s a recipe you’ve made before, this sweet dessert is sure to bring warmth and joy to your kitchen.

Checkout my instagram reel here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-5H9lTvDH5/?igsh=OGc1dHBmY2hqc3U=