Halva is a popular dessert that can be prepared in various variations. However, besides traditional versions made from semolina, flour, or legumes, there is a recipe for halva made from sprouted wheat, which is distinguished not only by its magnificent taste but also by its high nutritional value. This dessert is easy to make at home using sprouted wheat, milk, ghee, and nuts.
If you are craving something sweet, halva is an excellent choice. Although many have tried halva based on semolina, flour, or chickpeas, halva made from sprouted wheat has an excellent taste and is rich in nutrients. To prepare it, the sprouted wheat is crushed and fried in ghee. Then, milk, sugar, or maple syrup, along with cardamom, is added to the mixture. Adding cashews, almonds, pistachios, and raisins further enhances the flavor.
Ingredients
To make sprouted wheat halva, you will need: 2 cups of sprouted wheat, 4–5 tablespoons of clarified butter (desi ghee), 2 cups of milk, 1 cup of sugar or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom, 10–12 cashews, 10–12 almonds, 1 tablespoon of finely chopped pistachios, and 1 tablespoon of raisins.
First, soak the whole wheat for 8–10 hours. After that, drain the water and keep the wheat in a cloth for 1–2 days until small sprouts appear on it. When the wheat has sprouted, it must be thoroughly washed. Then, adding a little water to a food processor, it should be crushed to a coarse consistency. It is important not to crush the wheat too finely, as a slight uneven texture contributes to the good consistency of the halva.
Pour the clarified butter into a heavy saucepan and heat it. When the butter is hot, add the cashews, almonds, and raisins, frying them until lightly golden brown. Remove the fried nuts and set them aside. Then, pour the crushed sprouted wheat into the same saucepan and fry it over medium heat, stirring constantly. The frying process takes about 10–15 minutes until the wheat turns light golden and begins to emit a pleasant aroma. Thoroughly frying the wheat is critical for achieving a good halva flavor.
After this, pour the milk into the saucepan and continue stirring to prevent lumps from forming. After some time, the mixture will begin to thicken. Next, add the sugar or maple syrup and mix thoroughly. If maple syrup is used, it can be slightly melted beforehand. Cook the halva over low heat until it thickens and starts to separate from the sides of the saucepan. At this point, add the ground cardamom and the fried nuts. Mix all ingredients thoroughly and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Transfer the finished halva to a bowl. Garnish it with finely chopped pistachios and almonds. It can be served hot or enjoyed chilled. This dessert can be easily made at home for holidays or special occasions. Sprouted wheat contains nutrients such as fiber and protein. However, since ghee and sugar or maple syrup are present in the halva, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.
