Atte ka Seera aka Wheat flour Halva

Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes many aspects of womanhood. She personifies qualities such as Beauty, Balance, Strength, Opulence and Wisdom. As a woman and as a Samsari these qualities are very appealing and endearing to me. On this Vara Mahalakshmi Vrata day I spent a few minutes appreciating the good life I have. The auspicious day also coaxed me into thoroughly cleaning and beautifying the front porch, giving an extra-shiny look to the kitchen counters and cooking something sweet to offer as prasad to the Goddess.

I decided to make Atte ka Seera aka wheat flour halva. It’s such a simple and earthy dessert. The sweet aroma that wheat flour emanates when you are roasting it in ghee will put you in the right mood to enjoy this special occassion.

1 cup wheat flour (the same flour that is used to make roti/chapati

1 cup ghee 3/4 cup ghee

2.5 cups water

1 cup + 2 table spoons sugar

10 cashews, 10 almonds sliced

1/2 drop of kewra essence

1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

1. In a wide kadhai or a non-stick pan, mix wheat flour and 1/2 cup ghee.

2. Roast the flour on low flame until you see a pinkish hue (about 12 minutes). Roasting on low heat is very important.

3. On the side, in another pan, put water to boil. Add sugar and boil further for 2 minutes.

4. Add the sugar water to the rosted flour mix and stir vigorously until most of the water has evaporated.  Bring the heat to medium and add the rest of the ghee and stir for 2-3 minutes. Reduce the heat to very low and cover the pan.

5. Remove the cover and keep stirring until all the water has evaporated and ghee is oozing from the sides. (2 minutes)

6. Add kewra essence and cardammom powder.

7. Add cashews and almonds.

Tip: When the flour is about half roasted, at that time put the water to boil. This will ensure that when the roasting is done, the water will also be ready for step 4.