Wish you all a very happy new year 2009. This is my first post this year and I wanted to make a SWEET start. I learnt this recipe from my FIL's brother Ramani chikappa, who is fond of trying new recipes especially sweets. There is a huge banganaballi mango tree in my inlaw's place and chikappa prepared this delightful MANGO HALWA using homegrown fresh ripe mangoes and cooked in stovetop.
The three main ingredients in this recipe are mango, sugar and ghee and of course some cardamom for flavor. Instead of using the fresh ripe mangoes, I used store bought sweetened canned mango pulp. Since it was already sweetened, I had to use less sugar. Also, instead of stove top cooking, I preferred microwave cooking, since it is mess free and no need to bother about over heating or constant stirring.
I have tried corn flour halwa and badam halwa in microwave and I was pretty confident that this halwa too will turn out to be good. The result was no dissappointment. The halwa was smooth, shiny, 100% mango taste and all in all, a divine treat and is a perfect sweet for any occasion. I have used saffron too in this recipe, may be that's why, the color of the halwa is orangish. Here is the recipe.
Ingredients:
Sweetened mango pulp - 1 can (850 gms) I used Shamiana kasar mango pulp sweetened
Sugar - white granulated - 1 cup
Ghee / clarified butter - half cup
Cardamom powder - half teaspoon
Saffron - few strands ( a pinch )
Method:
In a wide bottomed microwave safe high heat resistant large (corning ware or pyrex glass ware preferably) container add one can of mango pulp.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Add sugar and stir well until even distribution and again microwave high for 5 minutes.
Stir in cardamom powder and saffron strands. Stir the content and cook for 20 minutes, stirring once every 5 minutes.
Add ghee and stir in until even distribution. Adding more ghee is optional.
Microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes and do not forget to give it a stir every 4 or 5 minutes.
After the halwa consistency is reached, give a quick stir and allow a standing time of about 5 minutes before tasting the halwa. If you think the halwa consistency is not reached, microwave again for 4 to 5 minutes.
Scoop a dollop of this halwa and garnish with a single cashewnut before serving.
