Badam Ka Seera

Badam ka seera, also known as badam halwa or almond halwa, is a rich and indulgent Indian dessert made with almonds, sugar, ghee, and flavored with cardamom. It's a popular sweet dish often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Here's a simple recipe to make Badam ka Seera:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds (badam), blanched and peeled
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped nuts for garnish (such as pistachios, almonds, cashews)

Instructions:

1. Blanch and Peel Almonds:

   • Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add almonds and blanch them for about 2 minutes.
   • Drain the almonds and rinse them with cold water. Peel off the skin from each almond.

2. Grind Almonds:

   • Grind the blanched and peeled almonds into a smooth paste using a blender or food processor. You can add a little milk to facilitate grinding if needed.

3. Prepare Sugar Syrup:

   • In a separate saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely.
   • Let the sugar syrup simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens. Turn off the heat.

4. Cook Almond Paste:

   • In a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai, heat ghee over medium-low heat.
   • Add the almond paste to the ghee and cook, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This may take about 8-10 minutes.

5. Combine Almond Paste and Sugar Syrup:

   • Slowly pour the prepared sugar syrup into the cooked almond paste, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
   • Cook the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. This may take about 10-15 minutes.

6. Add Flavorings:

   • Add cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Mix well to incorporate the flavors.

7. Garnish and Serve:

   • Transfer the badam ka seera to a serving dish or individual bowls. Garnish with chopped nuts like pistachios, almonds, or cashews.

8. Serve Warm or Cold:

   • Badam ka seera can be served warm or chilled according to preference.

Enjoy the rich and decadent Badam ka Seera as a delightful dessert after meals or during festive occasions! Adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preference.