Moong Dal Halwa

Yellow Moong Dal - 1 cup
Ghee / Clarified Butter - 1 cup
Turbinado Sugar - 1 cup to 11/4 cup depending on how sweet you want the halwa
Water - 4 cups
Cardamom Powder - a pinch
Saffron - a pinch
Raisins and Slivered Almonds - a handful

Wash the moong dal well and soak overnight in plenty of water.

Drain water and blend in a blender / mixer to make a smooth paste. If required, add just a few tsp of water while blending. Keep aside.

Mix 1 cup sugar with 4 cups water and bring it to boil. Simmer for a few minutes and keep aside.

Now take a heavy bottomed pan and add the blended moong dal. Mix a cup of ghee with it. Place the pan on heat and cook it on medium low heat for around 20 to 25 minutes mixing constantly with a wooden spatula.

When the mixture becomes slightly dry, grainy and changes color, add the sugar water syrup. Mix and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for a few minutes till the bubbling stops.

Remove the lid, add saffron, cardamom, raisins and almonds and continue to cook for 5 minutes more.

Serve the halwa warm.