Sweeten Up Your Day with this Delicious Bombay Halwa Recipe | Karachi Halwa

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Have you ever heard of Bombay Halwa? It is a unique and popular dessert known by many names, like Rubber Halwa, Karachi Halwa, and Turkish Delight. This Indian sweet recipe is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. Made from just a few simple ingredients like corn flour, sugar, and ghee, this chewy halwa is cooked over medium heat until it turns translucent and starchy. The result is a delightfully chewy and slightly stretchy texture that’s both fun to eat and satisfyingly sweet.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

With just a teaspoon of cardamom powder, this corn flour halwa recipe is a perfectly unique and delicious dessert experience. This popular Indian sweet dish is a quick one that doesn’t take much time to prepare. So why settle for the same old sweets this festival season when you can try something new and exciting with this chewy and delicious Bombay Halwa recipe?

Bombay Halwa is one of the most popular and beloved Indian sweets, enjoyed on festive occasions in Indian households. Made from a mixture of corn flour (called corn starch in the US), and sugar dissolved in cups of water, this traditional recipe is a staple of sweet shops and households throughout India. The bright orange color makes this sweet treat a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. A teaspoon of cardamom powder, cashew nuts, and a touch of lemon juice or rose water give it a unique and delicious flavor. This delicious halwa is a perfect accompaniment to other sweet recipes, like Kesari, and is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire of delicious and authentic Indian dishes.

Bombay Halwa, is a popular Indian sweet that has been enjoyed for generations. You can trace the origin of the dish back to the Mughal era in India. It was introduced as a special treat for special occasions. This Bombay Karachi halwa recipe has evolved over time, with variations found in different regions of India. The process of making the halwa involves dissolving sugar in water, creating a corn flour slurry, and cooking the mixture on a low flame until it becomes glossy and translucent. The addition of ghee gives the halwa a rich and creamy texture. Today, Bombay Halwa is common during Indian festivals and has become a popular sweet in sweet shops across India. With the advent of technology and video recipes, new variations of the classic recipe are being shared online, making it more accessible to those who want to try making it for the first time.

Ingredients List For Bombay Halwa

Bombay Halwa Recipe

Corn flour

This is the main ingredient in the recipe that gives the halwa its chewy texture. In the United States this is commonly referred to as corn starch, but in India and the UK, this is called corn flour. Do not use corn meal as this will ruin your dessert!

Water

Water helps to make a slurry with the cornflour, which combines with the sugar syrup to thicken the mixture.

Sugar

The sugar provides sweetness to the halwa and also helps to create a syrupy texture.

Lemon Juice

The acidity of the lemon juice helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar and also acts as a natural preservative.

Ghee

The ghee adds a rich, buttery flavor and aroma to the halwa. It also helps prevent the mixture from sticking to the sides of the pan. You can also make it with homemade desi ghee for a richer aroma and flavor.

Melon Seeds

These add a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the halwa.

Cashews and other Dry Fruits

These add a sweet and savory flavor to the halwa and provide a contrasting texture to the chewy corn flour.

Cardamom Powder

Cardamom is another important ingredient. It adds a warm, spicy flavor and aroma to the halwa.

Food Coloring

It gives the halwa its bright, attractive colors. I recommend only using natural food coloring. Avoid artificial food coloring as it is not food.

Step By Step Instructions

Firstly, begin by mixing 1 cup of cornflour flour with 1 cup of water to make a solution. Once done, set it aside for later use.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

Take a large pan and add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water, then bring it to a boil.

Gradually add the cornflour solution to the pan while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

As the mixture starts to thicken, add 1/4 cup of ghee in 3 batches and then keep stirring until the ghee vanishes.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

Once the ghee is absorbed, add the natural food coloring, cardamom powder, and mix everything together.

Next, add 2 tbsp of melon seeds and 1/4 cup of chopped cashews along with any other dry fruits you want to add.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

Then stir the mixture well and continue cooking it until it becomes translucent and starchy.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

After the mixture has reached the right consistency, turn off the heat and transfer the mixture into a greased mold.

Then let it cool completely, this can take up to an hour.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

Once the mixture has cooled down completely, unmold it and slice it into squares to serve.

Bombay Halwa Recipe

Now enjoy the delicious and chewy texture of the Bombay Halwa, perfect for special occasions and festivals!

Bombay Halwa Recipe

Serving Suggestions

When serving Bombay Halwa, there are several options to consider. One suggestion is to cut the halwa into small squares or diamond shapes and serve it on a platter or in individual dessert cups. Another option is to garnish the halwa with chopped nuts or dried fruit before serving. Additionally, some people prefer to serve Bombay Halwa with other Indian sweets like gajar or carrot pudding, rasmalai, soan papdi, mysore pak, nariyal or milk barfi. If serving at a special occasion or festival, you can present the halwa in a decorative manner, such as on a bed of rose petals or with gold foil. To enhance the flavor, some people sprinkle a pinch of cardamom powder on top before serving. Overall, the presentation and serving suggestions of Bombay Halwa can vary based on personal preference and the occasion.

Storage Instructions

To store Bombay Halwa, firstly, allow it to cool completely. Then, cut it into small square pieces and place them in an airtight container. It is important to keep the container in a cool and dry place to prevent moisture from spoiling the halwa. You can also store the halwa in the refrigerator, which can extend its shelf life. If stored properly, it can last for up to two weeks. It is important to make sure that the container has a tight seal after each use to maintain the quality and freshness of the halwa. To serve again, simply remove from the container and place it on a plate, and enjoy. By following these storage instructions, you can ensure that your Bombay Halwa remains fresh and delicious for an extended period.

Bombay Halwa Recipe | Karachi Halwa

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Ravi Kumar and Qintarah Khan Course: DessertCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes

Bombay Halwa is a type of Indian sweet made with cornflour mixture, sugar, ghee, and various nuts and spices.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 1 Corn flour / Corn starch

  • 1 cup 1 Water

  • 1 cup 1 Sugar

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 Water for sugar syrup

  • 1 tsp 1 Lemon juice

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 Ghee

  • 2 tbsp 2 Melon seeds

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 Chopped cashews

  • Some more chopped dry fruits

  • 1 tsp 1 Cardamom powder

  • 1 tsp 1 Natural food coloring (Orange, red, or green)

Directions

  • To start making the Bombay Halwa, begin by mixing 1 cup of cornflour and 1 cup of water to make a solution. Once done, set it aside for later use.
  • Take a large pan and add 1 cup of sugar and 1/2 cup of water, then bring it to a boil.
  • Gradually add the cornflour solution to the pan while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps.
  • As the mixture starts to thicken, add 1/4 cup of ghee in 3 batches and keep stirring until the ghee vanishes.
  • Once the ghee is absorbed, add the food coloring, cardamom powder, and mix everything together.
  • Next, add 2 tbsp of melon seeds and 1/4 cup of chopped cashews along with any other dry fruits you want to add.
  • Stir the mixture well and continue cooking it until it becomes translucent and starchy.
  • After the mixture has reached the right consistency, turn off the heat and transfer the mixture into a greased mold. Let it cool completely, this can take up to an hour.
  • Once the mixture has cooled down completely, unmold it and slice it into squares to serve.
  • Enjoy the delicious and chewy texture of the Bombay Halwa, perfect for special occasions and festivals!

Recipe Video

FAQs

What is Bombay Halwa?

Bombay Halwa is a type of Indian sweet consisting of a cornflour mixture, sugar, ghee, and various nuts and spices. It is famous for its glossy texture and bright orange color.

What are some variations of Bombay Halwa?

There are different variations of this dessert, including Bombay Ice Halwa and Karachi Halwa, which add different ingredients like milk, rose water, and other flavors.

What are the key ingredients in making Bombay Halwa?

The key ingredients in making Bombay Halwa are cornflour, sugar, ghee, water, lemon juice, and various nuts and spices for added flavor.

What is the process of making Bombay Halwa?

The process involves making a cornflour mixture and cooking it with sugar syrup until it thickens. Add ghee in batches, and also mix in some nuts and cardamom. Then pour the mixture into a mold, cool, and cut into squares.

How long does it take to make Bombay Halwa?

The preparation time for Bombay Halwa can vary, but it typically takes around 30-45 minutes to cook and an additional hour to cool.

Is Bombay Halwa a difficult recipe to follow?

No, it is a relatively simple recipe to follow with a few basic ingredients and some attention to detail.

What are some tips for making the perfect Bombay Halwa?

Some tips for making the perfect Bombay Halwa include using quality ingredients, stirring the mixture constantly to prevent lumps, and cooking the mixture on low heat to avoid burning.

How should Bombay Halwa be stored?

Bombay Halwa should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Can Bombay Halwa be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze for up to a month. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Where can I find a video recipe for making Bombay Halwa?

There are many video recipes available online that provide step-by-step instructions on making Bombay Halwa, including on YouTube and various cooking websites.

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Hi! I’m Ravi Kumar.

I am a husband, father of 4, board certified neurosurgeon, and a lover of South Indian Food!

I created PaattisKitchen.com to memorialize the most delicious foods on earth. South Indian food is easy to make and hard to mess up. So pull up your sleeves, and come with me as we explore the vibrant spices, colors, aromas, and flavors of South Indian culinary tradition.

CAN I SEND YOU MY FAVORITE RECIPES?

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER AND I'LL SEND THEM STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

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