Delightful Indian Beetroot Halwa

Featured in Let's Bake Something Wonderful.

A timeless Indian sweet featuring beetroot, milk, cardamom, and ghee. Done in 45 minutes. Perfect for festive celebrations.
Rose
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:25:05 GMT
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A bowl of delicious beetroot halwa | tastybysophie.com

This vibrant beetroot halwa recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant Indian dessert. The deep magenta color and rich, velvety texture make it a showstopping treat for special occasions. Beyond its stunning appearance, this halwa delivers an intricate blend of earthy sweetness balanced with aromatic spices.

Key Ingredients

  • Fresh beetroots, firm and deeply colored
  • Pure ghee for richness
  • Full-fat milk
  • Fresh cardamom pods
  • Premium khoya

Select beetroots that feel heavy and have smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor and color. The quality of ghee significantly impacts the final taste, so use the highest grade available.

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Ultimate Beetroot Halwa Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Preparation Method

  1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan and melt the ghee
  2. Toast nuts until fragrant and set aside
  3. Grate beetroots finely
  4. Cook beetroots in ghee until soft
  5. Add milk gradually, allowing it to reduce
  6. Incorporate khoya and cardamom
  7. Stir continuously until mixture thickens
  8. Cook until ghee separates from sides

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm topped with chopped pistachios and almonds. For special occasions, garnish with edible silver foil. Pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or traditional masala chai.

Variations

Enhance with saffron strands soaked in warm milk for added aroma and color. Consider using jaggery instead of sugar for a deeper caramel note. A touch of rose water adds elegant fragrance.

Pro Tips

Grate beetroots finely for smooth texture. Preheat the pan before adding ghee to prevent sticking. Adjust sweetness according to the natural sugar content of beetroots.

Ultimate Beetroot Halwa Pin it
Ultimate Beetroot Halwa | tastybysophie.com

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk, stirring to restore original consistency.

Final Notes

The success of beetroot halwa lies in patience and attention to detail. Monitor the cooking process closely, especially during the final stages when the mixture thickens. The result should be glossy, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s khoya?
Khoya is thickened milk, commonly used in Indian desserts. It makes dishes richer and luscious.
→ How can I pick good beets?
Choose firm beets with a bright, smooth skin to get the best flavor and texture.
→ Why do I need to stir this often?
To keep it from sticking to the pan and to make sure it thickens and cooks evenly.
→ Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely! Adjust the sugar to your taste since beets have their own natural sweetness.
→ How long can I store it?
Keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to warm it up before serving!

Beetroot Sweet Dish

A rich and indulgent Indian treat, made by cooking grated beets in milk and ghee, topped with cardamom and crunchy nuts.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Sweet Kitchen

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Indian

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 cups milk
02 2 tablespoons ghee
03 2 cups beetroot, cleaned, peeled, and shredded
04 1/4 cup khoya
05 1/2 cup sugar

→ Flavorings

06 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
07 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

Step 01

Use a fine grater to shred the peeled beetroot.

Step 02

Warm up ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Toss in the chopped nuts and stir until they turn golden.

Step 03

Add the shredded beetroot to the pan and cook until soft. Cover up and let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes.

Step 04

Stir in the khoya and pour in the milk. Keep stirring and cook gently on low heat.

Step 05

When the mixture thickens and the milk reduces, mix in sugar, cardamom, and the roasted nuts. Stir well until the ghee visibly stands out.

Notes

  1. Pick beets that feel firm and fresh for an amazing taste.
  2. Feel free to reduce or bump up the sugar.
  3. Make sure to stir it often or it’ll stick to the pan.

Tools You'll Need

  • Grater
  • A sturdy pan

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes milk-based products like milk, ghee, and khoya.
  • Contains nuts like almonds or cashews.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
  • Protein: 8 g