Bread halwa, a beloved Indian dessert, is a delightful surprise of textures and flavors. This simple yet decadent treat transforms humble bread into a rich, aromatic sweet, perfect for satisfying a sudden craving or impressing guests. Its versatility allows for customization with spices like cardamom and saffron, creating a unique experience each time you make it. Forget complicated desserts; this recipe uses readily available ingredients and minimal effort to deliver maximum taste. The creamy, subtly spiced halwa is a wonderful culmination of sweet and comforting notes, a perfect ending to any meal.
This surprisingly easy recipe utilizes pantry staples to create a magical dessert in minutes. Ready to experience the magic of transforming stale bread into a delicious treat? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this irresistible Bread Halwa together.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Spoon
- Plate
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Bread: 6 large slices
- Ghee: 2 tablespoons
- Milk: 2 cups + ½ cup
- Sugar: ¼ cup (adjust to taste)
- Cardamom: 2, crushed
- Custard powder: 2 tablespoons (vanilla flavored)
- Rose petals: optional
- Dry fruits: optional
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Bread and Milk Base
- Remove the crusts from the bread slices and cut each slice into four pieces. You can use the crusts to make breadcrumbs.
- Heat ghee in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Toast the bread pieces in the ghee until golden brown, turning to cook both sides. Alternatively, you can bake or air fry them.
- In the same pan, heat milk over medium-high heat until it boils. Then, simmer for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Add crushed cardamom to the thickened milk.
- Stir in sugar until dissolved. Add custard powder and whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
Step 2. Combine Bread and Milk Mixture
- In a separate bowl, combine half of the prepared milk mixture with the toasted bread pieces.
- Pour the remaining milk mixture over the bread. Gently mix to combine, ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 3. Garnish and Chill
- Garnish with rose petals and/or dry fruits (optional).
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the dessert to set.
Read more: Easy Indian Bread Pudding Recipe: A Simple Dessert
Tips
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavorings for the custard powder.
- Don't leave the custard powder and milk mixture unattended while cooking, as it can stick to the bottom of the pan.
- You can use any kind of dry fruits you prefer.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use any type of bread for this recipe?
Yes! Stale bread works best, but you can use fresh bread too. Just be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture before adding it to the pan.
2. What if I don't have ghee? Can I use another fat?
Yes, you can substitute ghee with butter or even vegetable oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
This quick and easy Bread & Milk dessert is the perfect solution for a sweet craving. Its simple ingredients and minimal cooking time make it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. Enjoy this delightful Indian treat, and savor the surprising deliciousness of this humble yet satisfying sweet!