Halwa Recipe

Halwa is the most sought after recipe during religious events and celebrations. Either it is an Islamic Shab e Bara'at or Diwali, halwa recipe is the must. It is a traditional sweet food in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh; a tradition which is hundreds of years old. There are tons of halwa you can choose to make. Famous halwas of the region are gajar ka halwa, khajoor ka halwa, lauki ka halwa, andey ka halwa, besan ka halwa, suji ka halwa, badam ka halwa, atey ka halwa and akhrot ka halwa. If you are from Pakistan, India or Bangladesh, you must have tasted at least one or more of these halwa jaat.


Halwa also written as Halva, halava, alva and halwah is a dense sweet food, famous throughout the continent of Asia. The most servings of halwa sweet is seen in South Asia especially Pakistan and India. Halva known as ("dessert" or "sweet" in English) has two main types:


  • Flour Based Halwa
  • Nut Butter Based Halwa

Flour Based Halwa

Flour based halva is prepared using grain flour such as semolina. Common ingredients include clarified butter (desi ghee), flour (aata) and sugar (chini). The use of clarified butter infuses a very pleasant aroma and taste in halwa. There is a big list of flour based halwa recipes that have been introduced in the region and made at certain religious or happiness events.


Nut Butter Based Halwa

Nut Butter based halva require tahini or any other nut butters for its preparation. Sunflower seed butter is a common ingredient in many nut butter based halwas. Main ingredients of this halwa are nut butter and sugar.


Additionally, halwas are nowadays made with many other foods such as carrots, eggs, lentils, pumpkins, bottle gourds and also with different kinds of beans. Halwa desserts are dense, very sweet and aromatic foods that can be stored for 10 to 15 days in normal or cold temperature. During hot summer, you must store them in refrigerator to prevent it from spoilage.


KFoods.com presents almost all kinds of halwa for you. Find the recipes below and make it yourself at home.


What is meant by Halwa?

Halwa refers to an Arabic word which means sweetmeat. Halwa is made with milk, ghee, sugar and some sort of flour such as maida flour, plain wheat and eggs and some additional items optionally. Pakistani famous halva include Sohan halwa, besan halwa, makhandi halwa and daal halwa.

Halwa Recipe Reviews

I think it depends on the who is making it in Fiji. I am Fijian and we (my aunts, extended family members and friends) have always used milk/cream as our liquid. I have never used water. I personally prefer a creamy rich taste. I think people need to beindful that there are different styles of Halwa made. I think the Indian/Hindu community use water.

  • Zee,
  • Oct 08, 2023

Great recipe! I make mine a little differently. I like almonds and raisins (well, everyone around me lol). For those saying Fijian don''t use crwm. I am Fijian and I use a mix of homo, and half&half. It''s much creamier and much tastier than typical Fijian recipes.

  • Zeba ,
  • Jul 29, 2021

Everyone loves Multani sohan halwa in my family members . I tried this recipe and the result was above my expectations that I couldn’t believe that the halwa was made by me . now my family want me to make this on every weekend and every event .

  • soiba khan,
  • Jul 30, 2020