Doodh no Halwo | Saffron Milk Halwa

Milk Halwa or Doodh no Halwo is an incredible indian milk-based sweet made from only few ingredients such as milk, condensed milk and yogurt. The recipe is similar to Paal Kova or milk kove which is another easy milk based traditional Tamil Nadu recipe. Instant pal kova is also made with condensed milk and yogurt.

Milk Halwa/Milk Cake/Doodh no Halwo/Paal Kova is a unique tasting indian sweet. Traditionally, it is made primarily by reducing milk then splitting it with an acidic agent. That is why it is sometimes called fatelo doodh halwa (fatelo means split). The mixture is then sweetened with sugar. The sugar caramelizes and the mixture reduces further. Flavourings are then added alongside ghee. The halwa is served set or loose.

It has a grainy texture but as soon as you chew it, it becomes melt in your mouth. With this recipe, you will achieve similar doodh halwo that can be found in the mithai shops. This recipe however is much quicker and easier than the original and uses the the microwave.

Inspiration

My Mum used to get treated to doodh no halwo from a nearby dairy shop in Ahmedabad when she was little and later when she visited again, she would bring it back for us.

I tried this halwa back in 2012 when I visited India for the first time. It was from the same dairy that was close to my Mum's house.

Difference between Milk Cake and Kalakand

Originally, indian milk cake or milk halwa is made by reducing whole or full-fat milk. This process usually takes a couple of hours. Our Rajwadi Peda post explains this step.

To speed up this process, we have used condensed milk and the help of a microwave!

To this reduced milk, an acidic agent is added to split the milk. The solids formed are then halwa. The halwa becomes a deep brown colour.

In kalakand, the milk is similarly reduced but paneer is also added. The resulting product is white/cream in colour.

In the past we have experimented and created this Chocolate and Rose Indian Milk Cake, which is a reader favourite.

Why this Milk Halwa recipe works

We have used condensed milk which is basically saving the time of reducing the milk. This is all cooked in 1 bowl in the microwave within minutes. It is a great way to use up an open tin of condensed milk. There is a good chance that you will have these ingredients lying around.

It is easy to make - these recipe is easy for two recipes. One, it is made of only few ingredients - milk, condensed milk, sugar are all easy to find in local shops. Secondly, it is made in the microwave. There is no need for pots and pans and the halwa will come together in no time at all.

Delicious - I probably don't even need to tell you how delicious this halwa is. The chewy texture with juicy taste is out of this world! You have to try it to really understand what I mean here.

Enjoyed anytime - It is perfect for any celebration and during the festive season. It is also suitable for fasting as it is made with only dairy products.

Ingredients notes for Dudh No Halwo

Milk - use full fat milk or whole milk for this recipe. The higher the fat content in the milk, the larger the grains in the halwa and the greater the texture!

Condensed milk - condensed milk speeds up the process as the milk has already been reduced. Use the full fat rather than "light" version of condensed milk

Yogurt - yogurt is used to split the milk which is what gives the halwa its texture. Some recipes use lemon juice but yogurt works well too. Yogurt should be mild in taste and full fat.

Ghee - we have used homemade desi ghee. The ghee provides flavour and also gives the halwa a silky texture.

Sugar - use white granulated sugar. You will only require a bit as the condensed milk is also sweet.

Flavoring - we have used saffron or kesar - hence kesar doodh no halwa and cardamom powder. The saffron threads are dissolved in milk prior to using for about 10 mins or add straight away.

Nuts - we have used almond and pistachio but you can change this according to which ever you like.

How to make Dudh No Halwo

Microwave Dudh No Halwo

Choose a large microwave safe bowl - a small bowl will make it difficult to mix and you don't want it to spill and overflow!

Add condensed milk and mix. Add the yogurt and saffron infused milk and mix until smooth.

Set the microwave to 8 minutes (time needed for the amount of mixture we had). Check every 2 minutes and stir.

Add the sugar and cardamom powder and microwave further 5-6 mins. The mixture should start becoming more solid

Add the ghee and microwave 2 mins more. It should become thick but not dry.

Add cardamom powder, mix well.

Set in a greased tray or serve in a bowl.

Stovetop Milk Halwa

Place all the ingredients in a thick based kadai or pan.

Cook on low to medium heat until the mixture starts curdle.

Lower the heat and cook until halwa gets thicker and grainy.

Add cardamom powder and turn off the heat.

Tips for best Milk Halwa

Do not over microwave else will the halwa will taste dry when eating - we want to retain some of the moisture.

You can either serve in squares like barfi or serve it loose in the bowl.

Keep stirring to ensure the mixture is not burning.

Use full-fat ingredients for authentic taste and texture.

Frequently asked questions

Other Microwave Indian Sweets Recipes

Koprapak in microwave

Microwave Mawa Peda

Churma Ladoo microwave method

Microwave Mawa/Khoya

Microwave Kalakand

As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!

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