A sweet to start with : Yummy yet simple Badam Halwa or Almond Halva

Badam or Almond is one of God's gift to his children. Almond is a rich source of vitamin E, manganese, calcium, phosphorous, iron and magnesium. It also contains zinc, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and niacin (vitamin V3). In fact, almond is the most nutritious of commonly consumed nuts. Almonds are scientifically proven to aid brain development in children, improve complexion, regulate blood pressure, prevent diabetes and reduce the risk of cancer. Almond is also known to contain monosaturated fats and phytosterols, associated with cholesterol-lowering properties.

Badam Halwa is a simple uncomplicated recipe that is loved by all children alike. It is easy and quick to make, delicious to eat and a good way to ensure all the members of your family benefit from the good nutrients of Badam. 

Ingredients:

Almonds - 1 cup

Sugar - 1 cup

Milk - To grind the almonds

Saffron - a pinch

Ghee (Clarified Butter) - ~ 10-12 teaspoons

Orange food colour - a pinch (optional)

Method:

1. Microwave almonds with little water at high for 3 to 4 minutes. 

2. Peel off the almond skin 

(Beauty tip: Save the removed almond skin and use it as a face scrub for lovely skin and complexion)

3. Grind the almonds with milk to a thick paste 

(Beauty tip: This thick paste can also be used on the skin, especially face, as a natural complexion enhancer)

4. Measure the almond paste by cup measure

5. Take equal cup measure of sugar to the almond paste you have

6. Boil a little water in a pan and melt the sugar at medium heat 

(Quick tip: The sugar just needs to melt and you need not wait for the syrup to reach a stringy or toffee consistency)

At this stage, you can also add food colour to the sugar syrup to enhance the colour of your desert

7. To the sugar syrup, add the almond paste and stir

8. Add small quantities of melted ghee to the above mixture as it gets absorbed and continue till the halwa leaves the sides of the pan

9. Remove from heat, garnish with saffron, slivered almonds or fried cashews and serve warm

Note: This recipe is a diabetic friendly recipe - Substitute the sugar with an equal quantity of Splenda or other artificial sweetener and reduce the quantity of Ghee used to make Sugar Free Badam Halwa