Badaam Ka Halwa (Indian Almond delight) recipe

Ingredients
500 g (1.1 lb) Almonds (badaam), blanched, chopped
1 cup (200 g) 7 oz Ghee
1 cup (200 ml) 7 fl oz Milk
3 cups (450 g) 1 lb Sugar
1 tsp (2 g) Green cardamom (choti elaichi) powder
a few strands Saffron (kesar)
Silver leaf (varq), optional

Method
1. In a food processor, grind the almonds with a little milk to make a fine paste.

2. Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add the almond paste and cook on medium heat until light golden.

3. Add milk and sugar, continue to cook for 10 - 15 minutes more till the moisture evaporates and the mixture becomes thick. Remove from heat. Add green cardamom powder and saffron.

4. To serve cold, spread on a greased tray, cut into small squares and decorate with silver leaf. To serve hot, ladle individual portions on to dessert plates and decorate with silver leaf.

serving amount

serves: 4 - 5