Citrus Twist Rajgira (Amaranth) Halwa (Phalahari Special)

Servings: 3-4
Preparation time: 3-4 minutes.
Frying time: 12-13 minutes.
Cooking time: 4-5 minutes.
Total time: 22 minutes.

“Citrus Twist Rajgir (Amaranth) Halwa (Phalahari Special)” is a wholesome and traditional phalahari dessert, often prepared during fasting days like Navratri, Ekadashi, or Shivratri.

Made with nutrient-rich rajgira flour, this halwa is not only delicious but also packed with protein, calcium and energy; perfect for sustaining the body during vrat.

To give a refreshing twist to the traditional phalahari Amaranth Halwa, I added fresh orange juice along with generous mix of nuts.

The citrusy flavour of orange juice brings a mild tanginess that beautifully balances the richness of ghee and the natural sweetness of the halwa.

While the halwa being cooked, the aroma becomes wonderfully fragrant, with hints of cardamom blending with the fresh orange notes.

The addition of crunchy nuts like cashew nuts and raisin enhances both the texture and nutritional value, making each bite more delightful.

This unique variation not only uplifts the classic recipe but also adds a vibrant, festive touch to fasting meals.

This simple yet indulgent sweet dish can cooked with ghee, milk or water, and sweetened with sugar, then flavoured with cardamom and garnished with dry fruits.

Its soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and comforting taste make it a popular choice in my family and friends for fasting meals.

Light on the stomach yet satisfying, beautifully combines tradition, health, and taste in every spoonful.

Ingredients:

Rajgira (Amaranth) flour: one cup
Sugar: 1 cup
Ghee: ½ cup
Orange (preferably Mandarin): 1no.(for decoration)
Orange(preferably Mandarin) Juice: 1 cup
Green cardamom: 5-6 no.
Raisin: 1 tablespoon
Cashew nut: 10-12 no.
Water: one cup

Preparation:

Discard the skin of cardamom, crush the seeds. Keep aside.
Divide the cashew nut into two parts, keep aside.
Slice the orange, just before serving.

Method:

Heat ghee in a heavy bottom fry pan, add Rajgir flour; roast flour on low flame for 6-7 minutes or till it gets golden in colour.
Add cashew nut; continue to fry for couple of minutes; add raisin, continue to fry for a minute.
Add sugar and water; stir to mix well until the water evaporated.
Add orange juice; stir to mix well until the halwa consistency appears.
Add cardamom powder, add one tablespoon of ghee to finish it off.
Transfer it to serving plate and Garnish with orange slices and orange pulp.
“Citrus Twist Rajgira (Amaranth) Halwa (Phalahari Special)” is ready to be served.