Instant Grain Free Badam Halwa {Choose Ghee or No Ghee for Healthier Version}

We (Punjabis) always make halwa on special occasions, especially for religious ceremonies. Today, on the  auspicious occasion of Guru Nanak Jayanti, I’m excited to share a rich and nutritious Almond Halwa. While many varieties of halwa grace Indian households, this grain-free delight stands out. It’s easy to make and tastes heavenly! I’ll show you two versions, you can choose to make with ghee or without ghee for a healthier version. Make sure you watch the video for better understanding.

Traditionally, Badam Halwa involves soaking and grinding almonds, then cooking in ghee and sugar syrup. The whole process can take quite a bit of time and effort. However, I’m presenting an instant version using store-bought blanched almond flour.

The result? A glossy, velvety smooth treat that’s perfectly sweetened! It’s an ideal dessert not only for festivals but also for get-togethers and parties. The best part is that it is very simple to prepare and requires minimal ingredients. It can easily be tweaked to make vegan and keto.

Though this recipe is instant, making halwa requires some elbow grease, as you need to constantly stir. In the end, the badam halwa achieves a delightful balance, being neither soupy nor dry. Packed with healthy fats, it’s a rich and filling dessert. So, you really do not need a big portion of it. Serve it warm or at room temperature—perfect alongside chai or as a breakfast treat.

Ghee or No Ghee?

Almond flour is low in carbs, packed with nutrients, and contains a significant amount of fat. Dishes made with almond flour tend to be moist by nature.

With Ghee: This version boasts a luxurious mouthfeel and a rich dark brown color, reminiscent of traditional wheat halwa.

Without Ghee: A lighter, healthier alternative that still delivers on taste and flavor.

If you’re not watching calories, consider making halwa with ghee, as it adds richness and enhances the taste while keeping it moist for a longer period. However, if you’re on a heart-healthy diet or want to avoid ghee-laden sweets, then making halwa without ghee is definitely the way to go. It’s not like a grain flour where ghee is essential.

Wishing you all a joyous celebration!

If you try this recipe, I’d appreciate it if you let me know in the comments how it worked out for you. If you are on social media, share your pics with me on Facebook or  Instagram or twitter or Pinterest by tagging me @simpleglutenfreekitchen so I can see and repost it.