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Desserts are a part of the Diwali celebration. A favorite at our house is halwa. It is all things to all people, this dessert--a pudding or a fudge. In some recipes, it's based on semolina, like the southern version called Kesari, and has a texture like gelatin. Other versions use carrots or mung beans.Tirunelveli halwa is in a class by itself, with its red color and unusual aroma.
Halwa is not just for eating. Apparently, you can taunt someone with it as well.In Tamil Nadu, if you ask someone "Are you trying to give me halwa?" you are asking if he's trying to outsmart you. In Mumbai, the word is used to imply simple. "Halva hai kya?" means "Is it that simple?" In the north, halwa means a mish-mash. "Halwa bana diya" means "you made a Halwa out of it".
Let's just eat the thing, shall we?
Heat 1/2 cup unsalted butter at medium heat. Add 1 cup cream of wheat. The mixture should turn a pink gold color. Add 2 cups water. Stir quickly --no lumps! Add 1 cup sugar, raisins and cashews.
Yum.
Cheryl Snell blogs about all things Indian at www.shivasarms.blogspot.com
