Homemade Tirunelveli Iruttu Kadai Halwa Recipe

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Sometimes, a certain place comes up with a recipe that becomes its trademark and becomes famous by that name. The same is the story of Tirunelveli iruttu kadai halwa. Before we move on to its unique story, those who have never tried this halwa must be thinking, what is it actually? Well, in simple words, it is a wheat flour halwa enriched with caramelized sugar. If you are a big fan of sweets, this Tirunelveli halwa recipe is for you. The richness of wheat milk enriched with roasted cashews and pure ghee will take you right back to your childhood days, and you will forget all kinds of sweets. Are you ready for this heavenly godhumai halwa?

Story time as promised! Tirunelveli is a town in Tamil Nadu where a sweet shop was opened many many years ago. The sweet shop had dim lighting and so people started calling it “Iruttu Kadai” which means “dark shop” in Tamil. Iruttu Kadai became famous for their wheat halwa recipe which was unmatched in taste and so the halwa got its name “Tirunelveli Iruttu Kadai Halwa”. People travel to Tirunelveli specifically to try the Iruttu Kadai Halwa. However, we bring this wheat and ghee richness right into your kitchens with this simple recipe. This rich halwa can brighten any gloomy day and add extra richness to your festive days. So, let’s see how to make Tirunelveli halwa at home.

Ingredients For Tirunelveli Iruttu Kadai Halwa 

Whole Wheat Flour

The whole wheat flour is the main ingredient in this recipe. It contributes to the texture of the halwa by providing a slightly grainy and dense texture. The wheat flour also adds a nutty flavor to the halwa.

Water

Water is used in two stages in this recipe. The first half cup of water is used to make a dough with the wheat flour, and the remaining 3 cups of water are added later to the halwa. Water is essential to help dissolve the sugar and form a syrup, which is crucial to the texture and sweetness of the halwa.

Sugar

Sugar is the main sweetener in this recipe. It contributes to the flavor, texture, and aroma of the halwa. The sugar caramelizes during the cooking process, giving the halwa a rich golden color and nutty aroma. The sugar also thickens the syrup, creating a thick and sticky consistency in the halwa.

Ghee

Ghee is a type of clarified butter and is used in large amounts in this recipe. It contributes to the rich flavor and aroma of the halwa. The ghee also helps to prevent the halwa from sticking to the pan and gives the halwa a smooth and shiny texture.

Cardamom Powder

Cardamom powder gives the halwa a fragrant aroma and a slightly sweet and spicy flavor. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the sugar.

Broken Cashews

Broken cashews are added to the halwa as a garnish. They provide a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that complements the sweetness of the halwa.

Ghee and Sugar for Caramel

Ghee and sugar make the caramel for the halwa. The caramel adds a deep and rich flavor and aroma to the halwa. It also contributes to the thickness and stickiness of the halwa.

Step By Step Recipe For Tirunelveli Iruttu Kadai Halwa 

To start, in a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup whole wheat flour and ½ cup water. Mix well to form a smooth paste.

Next, in a large kadai or pan, add 3 cups of water and the wheat flour mixture. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens.

Then, add 2 cups of sugar (or more if desired) to the kadai and keep stirring until the sugar dissolves.

In a separate pan, heat 1 tsp of ghee and ½ cup of sugar.

Keep stirring until the sugar caramelizes and turns reddish-golden brown.

Once the caramel is ready, add it to the kadai with the halwa mixture. Mix well to distribute the caramel evenly.

After that, add 4 tbsp of broken cashews and ½ tsp of cardamom powder to the halwa mixture. Mix well.

Gradually, add ½ cup of ghee in 3 batches while stirring continuously. Cook the halwa until it becomes silky and smooth.

Once the halwa is ready, turn off the heat and transfer it to a serving dish.

Finally, serve the halwa hot or warm and enjoy the delicious and aromatic dessert.

Serving Suggestions

There are several ways to serve Tirunelveli Iruttu Kadai Halwa, and here are some suggestions to try. Firstly, you could garnish the halwa with some additional cashews and serve it as a dessert after a hearty meal. For special occasions, serving the halwa in individual bowls and decorating it with some edible silver or gold foil can make it look more festive. Alternatively, you can serve the halwa warm with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy and satisfying treat. Finally, packing the halwa in small boxes or containers and gifting it to your friends and family as a sweet and thoughtful gesture is also an excellent way to share this delicious dessert. Overall, with these serving suggestions, you can enjoy the Tirunelveli Iruttu Kadai Halwa in different ways, whether as a dessert, snack or gift.

You can also make a methayi box or platter for festive occassions by serving this halwa in combination with other Indian sweets like Kesari, Bombay halwa, gajar pudding or carrot halwa etc.

Storage Suggestions

To store Tirunelveli Iruttu Kadai Halwa, there are several steps that you should follow. Firstly, allow the halwa to cool down to room temperature before storing. Once it has cooled, transfer the halwa to an airtight container or a zip-lock bag. You should store the halwa at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, in a cool and dry place. However, if you live in a hot and humid climate, it is best to store the halwa in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. To enjoy the halwa again, take it out of the container and allow it to come to room temperature. If the halwa has become too hard, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave for a few seconds until it softens.

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