Kerala Black Halwa, also known as Karuppu Halwa, is a traditional dessert from Kozhikode, India, made with rice flour, coconut milk, and jaggery. It’s popular at celebrations and has a rich flavor, with a unique dark color from slow cooking. This easy-to-make recipe requires patience and can be stored for about a month. Enjoy it as a delightful treat at any occasion!
Table of Contents
Kerala Black Halwa, Karuppu Halwa or Karutha Halwa, is a popular and traditional dessert recipe of Calicut/Kozhikode, which is in the Indian state of Kerala. This sweet recipe is one of the most loved desserts across the Indian subcontinent.
Kerala Black Halwa is served everywhere, such as marriage ceremonies, birthday parties, spiritual occasions, and more. There are many different versions of this dessert in South India, however, our recipe is a simple one that can be easily prepared at your home!
How To Make Kerala Black Halwa?
Kerala Black Halwa Recipe
Equipment
- 2 Medium-Sized Bowls
- Small-Sized Pan
- Medium-Sized Pan
- Deep Bottom Pan
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Of Rice Flour
- 1400 grams Of Jaggery
- 2 Cups Of Thick Coconut Milk
- 10 Cups Of Thin Coconut Milk
- 4 tbsp Ghee
- 2 tsp Cardamom Powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- Cashew Nuts As Required
- ½ tsp Cumin Powder Optional
Instructions
- Take a bowl and extract the coconut milk.
- In a small-sized pan, add the jaggery and heat it over medium to high heat. Allow it to melt properly and then using a sieve, filter out the jaggery.
- Take a separate medium-sized pan, add ghee and heat it. Now add cashew nuts as required and roast until it turns golden in colour.
- Next, take a medium-sized bowl and add rice flour. Then slowly add 5 cups of thin coconut milk and combine nicely. Ensure that no lumps are formed.
- Heat a deep bottom pan, add the remaining 5 cups of thin coconut milk, rice flour mixture and melted jaggery. While pouring the melted jaggery, mix everything gradually.
- Add salt, cardamom powder and cumin powder. Stir well.
- Keep stirring in medium to high flame for 15 to 20 minutes. After that, pour in the thick coconut milk and then mix well.
- For 40 to 45 minutes, stir continuously to achieve a thick consistency. Next, add the roasted cashew nuts and ghee.
- Now when the mixture becomes non-sticky and is of thick consistency, remove the pan from the flame.
- Pour the prepared mixture onto a steel plate that is already greased with some ghee and spread it all over evenly.
- For garnishing, sprinkle a few roasted cashew nuts and then let it cool down for a bit.
- Cut it into a rectangle shape or any shape/size you prefer.
- And your Kerala Black Halwa is ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought rice flour to make Kerala Black Halwa.
- Remember to keep the thick and thin coconut milk separately while extracting it.
- If you prefer, then you can leave the Kerala Black Halwa set overnight or for a few hours to get good results.
Shelf Life
Kerala Black Halwa can be stored properly for about a month with refrigeration. But make sure to keep it away from direct sunlight and it must be nicely closed in a dry container.
Conclusion
Kerala Black Halwa is an easy sweet dish recipe but you need to have a lot of patience while cooking this because it is time-consuming. But you know what, it’s all worth it! This dessert just makes the occasion more special and lightens up the day. You will love this South Indian Delicacy after its first bite itself!
FAQ
What Is Kerala Black Halwa Made Of?
Kerala Black Halwa is prepared with rice flour, jaggery, coconut milk, whole spices and ghee. It has a rich aroma and sweet taste that is unique in its own way.
Is Kerala Black Halwa Healthy To Eat?
If you look at the ingredients, it has rice flour, coconut milk, jaggery and a few other ingredients as well. It is loaded with ingredients that are quite healthy and good for your taste buds. But it is always recommended to have this in moderation.
How Did Kerala Black Halwa Become Dark In Colour?
The Kerala Black Halwa becomes dark in colour due to the usage of jaggery for the sweetness. Moreover, it requires a slow cooking process and therefore, it also contributes to developing a deep black colour.
How To Make Kerala Black Halwa Gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can use rice flour that is gluten-free. Review the rice flour packet to be sure that it is free from any wheat or grains that have gluten in them.
