Why we love this recipe
This easy, no-bake rose halva gives any meal a sweet finish. Moist and sweet, it’s balancing for both Vata and Pitta dosha—as well as Kapha, in small amounts. The dessert has its origins in Middle Eastern cooking (the word “halava” means “sweet dish” in Arabic) and has come to be very popular in Indian cuisine.
Rose and Ayurvedic cooking
The delicate flavoring of this halva recipe comes from the sweet simplicity of its ingredients—farina, ghee, golden raisins, cardamom, and rose water. Rose is used often in Ayurvedic drinks, desserts, and sauces, from classic Rose Petal Sauce to refreshing Sweet Rose Petal Lassi. In addition to their delicate, floral flavor, roses are beneficial in balancing the heart and emotions.
Rose Petal Milk is a soothing bedtime beverage and Organic Rose Petal Cookies uplift the mind and heart. Our Rose Petal Thirst Quencher helps to cool and balance fiery Pitta dosha any time of year. Learn more about roses in Ayurveda.
Ingredients
- 2 handfuls of organic golden raisins
- 2 handfuls of organic cashews
- ¼ cup of ghee
- 1½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon of Organic Rose Water
- 1 cup of organic farina (Cream of Wheat)
- 1 cup of sugar
- Pinch of ground cardamom
Directions
- Melt a teaspoon of ghee in a small frying pan and brown the raisins and cashews on medium heat. Set aside.
- Boil 1½ cups of water and set aside. When cool, add 1 tablespoon of rose water. If the rose water is not Maharishi AyurVeda Rose Water, make sure it is food grade, without synthetic ingredients or alcohol added.
- In a large saucepan, mix the farina and ghee together and stir on medium heat until light brown spots appear. This usually takes 3-4 minutes.
- Add sugar and cardamom and stir.
- Add the water and the raisin/cashew mix that was set aside and stir.
- It's important to keep stirring over medium heat to avoid lumpiness. Stir until the mixture becomes solid, usually about one minute.
- Pour the mixture in a buttered 8-inch square cake pan, pressing it flat. After it cools, cut it into squares or diamonds and serve.
Like this organic halva recipe? Explore more Ayurvedic recipes with rose petal spread.
© 1999, 2021 Maharishi AyurVeda Products International, Inc. (MAPI). All Rights Reserved. MAPI does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See additional information.
