Traditional Banana Halwa Recipe – South Indian Kele Ka Halwa
Banana Halwa, also known as Kele Ka Halwa in Hindi, Balehannina Halwa in Kannada, and Pazham Halwa in Tamil, is a beloved dessert in South India. It’s crafted using ripe bananas, jaggery, and ghee, resulting in a delectable sweet with a melt-in-the-mouth texture. This halwa is often prepared during festive occasions and is cherished for its rich flavor and simplicity.
Description
Ingredients
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Ripe Bananas: 1 kg, peeled and sliced
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Ghee: ¼ cup
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Jaggery: ½ kg
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Water: ¼ cup
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Cardamom Powder: ¼ teaspoon
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Cashews: 3 tablespoons, roasted
Instructions
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Prepare the Banana Puree:
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Peel and slice the ripe bananas.
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Blend them into a smooth puree and set aside.
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Cook the Banana Mixture:
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In a large kadai or pan, heat ¼ cup of ghee.
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Add the banana puree and cook on medium flame, stirring continuously.
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Continue cooking until the mixture turns glossy and the raw banana smell disappears.
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Prepare Jaggery Syrup:
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In a separate pan, combine ½ kg jaggery and ¼ cup water.
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Heat until the jaggery dissolves completely, forming a syrup.
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Combine and Cook:
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Pour the jaggery syrup into the cooked banana mixture.
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Mix well and continue stirring to combine thoroughly.
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As the mixture thickens, add ghee in batches, ensuring each addition is absorbed before adding the next.
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Cook until the halwa starts to hold its shape and ghee separates from the sides.
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Add Flavorings and Nuts:
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Stir in ¼ teaspoon cardamom powder and roasted cashews.
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Mix well to distribute evenly.
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Set the Halwa:
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Transfer the halwa into a tray lined with baking paper.
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Level the surface and let it rest for about 3 hours to set.
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Once set, cut into desired pieces and serve.
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Tips:
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Banana Selection: Use overripe bananas for a richer sweetness and enhanced flavor.
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Consistent Stirring: Continuous stirring prevents the mixture from sticking to the pan and ensures even cooking.
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Ghee Addition: Adding ghee in batches helps achieve the desired glossy texture and prevents the halwa from becoming too greasy.
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Setting Time: Allowing the halwa to rest ensures it sets properly, making it easier to cut into pieces.
Nutrition
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
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Calories | 250 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fats | 5 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient variations.
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