Rediff reader Ranjani Raj shares this Tanjore special recipe.

Ashoka Halwa is a famous recipe that has its origins in Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu.

This halwa is also known as 'Thiruvaiyar Halwa' and makes for a great Diwali treat.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup moong dal
• 2 tbsp wheat flour
• 1 1/2 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup melted ghee 
• Any nuts for garnishing
• A pinch of food colour

Method

• Dry roast moong dal till you get a nice aroma.
• Add two cups water and pressure cook for four whistles and allow it cool. Drain excess water, if any.
• Grind the dal into a smooth paste and keep aside
• Heat half of the ghee in a heavy bottomed pan. Add wheat flour. Stir well for two minutes.
• Add moong dal paste to it and stir continuously to avoid any lumps.
• Add sugar and mix well.
• Stir for three more minutes. Add food colour.
• Add remaining ghee and stir till it leaves the sides of the pan.
• Remove from flame and transfer to a serving bowl.

Notes

• Adjust ghee level while roasting wheat flour to avoid formation of lumps.
• Use red food colour to give an enticing look to the halwa.
• Don't add too much water while grinding moong dal. In fact, you don't need to add water as the Halwa will become watery when you add sugar. 

Image: ranjaniskitchen.com

ALSO SEE 

• How to make Mango Halwa
• How to make Coconut Laddoos
• How to make Rajasthani Ghevar
• How to make Mohanthal
• How to make Doda Barfi
• How to make Shahi Tukda
• How to make Kashi Halwa
• How to make Beetroot Coconut Barfi
• How to make Chocolate Marshmallow Pops
• How to make Malai Laddoos
• How to make Besan Rava Laddoo
• How to make Motichoor Ladoos
• How to make Milk Kalakand
• How to make Zucchini Coconut Laddoos
• How to make Gulab Halwa
• How to make Paan Shots
• How to make Chocolate Fudge 
• How to make Gulab Jamun

Click here for interesting food recipes and features!