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Bombay Ice Halwa

Bombay Ice Halwa

12/07/18 | almond, candy, dessert, exotic, festive, holidays, Indian, pistachio, saffron

ice halwa

While I’m neither Indian nor Hindu, I revel in celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights which marks the fiscal new year in the exotic subcontinent of India. One of my dearest friends knows how much I love her culture and indulges me with beautiful tunics, diyas (little clay oil lamps), bindis (pretty mark worn between the brows by Indian ladies) and sweet treats, the most memorable of which has been Bombay Ice Halwa, a paper-thin candy made with clarified butter, sugar, rose water, topped with almonds, pistachios and rose petals. The bright, sunny color and subtle floral flavor come from the precious saffron incorporated into the mixture. It’s a most unusual confection, especially for us in the West. So, if you’re looking for something especially impressive this holiday season, Ice Halwa will do the trick and with a touch of romance.

ice halwa

ice halwa

The Secret is Out!

The first time I had Ice Halwa, I was so impressed by just how thin and delicate it was, but thought, for certain, it would be absolutely impossible to recreate at home. Surely, they must have used a centuries-old technique that only a few have mastered or perhaps some very special machinery to get it so perfect. What I found out, however, is that anyone can make it at home, just with a bit of patience. Really, the hardest part is the constant stirring to ensure the bottom doesn’t burn. After that, the sweet mixture is poured onto a piece of parchment paper, topped with another sheet of parchment and rolled thin. 

Bombay Ice Halwa

Prep: 5 minsice halwa
Cook: 30 mins
Dry: 5 days

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup sugar
1/2 tsp saffron
1/4 cup + 1 Tb clarified butter (ghee)
1/4 cup semolina or corn starch
1 tsp cardamom powder
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp rose water
slivered almonds
slivered pistachios
edible rose petals

Instructions
Tape 2 long sheets of parchment paper onto a clean surface. Cut 2 more sheets the same length and set nearby.

Use a small mortar and pestle to crush the saffron threads with a teaspoon of sugar.
Pour milk, sugar, saffron powder, butter, semolina/cornstarch into a large pan. 

Cook on medium-high, whisking constantly to prevent the bottom from burning. 

ice halwa

The mixture will thicken and eventually come away from walls of the pan, forming a doughy ball. 
Be patient, as this will take 20 mins. If your arm gets tired, use a hand mixer or call for help.

Remove from heat and incorporate the last tablespoon of ghee and rose water. 

Divide dough into 1/2 and drop each onto a parchment sheet.
Place another sheet or parchment over the dough and use your hand or a rolling pinto flatten the dough to 1/8 inch thickness.

Peel the top sheet gently away.
Sprinkle pistachios, almond slices and rose petals evenly over the halwa, cover with the parchment sheet again and press gently into the dough.

Remove the top sheets and let the halwa air-dry 5 days.ice halwa
To accelerate the drying process, chill in the fridge 4 hours.

Use scissors to cut into pretty little squares. 
Serve with tea or coffee.

Did you know that pajamas were invented in India? We have much to thank our Near Eastern cousins for, especially Ice Halwa, a delightfully unusual treat. Now that you know how easy it is to make, be creative and try some different flavors. Homemade candy always makes a lovely hostess gift for those holidays outings and is sure to impress your own guests at home at your next festive get-together, especially one so beautifully thin and fragrantly delicious! 

ice halwa

« Japanese Cheesecake (Gluten-free)
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Comments

  1. David says

    December 8, 2018 at 15:05

    OMG – I love this! I can’t wait to try this. All my favorite flavors and, if you say I can do it, I will! xox

    • colettezabo says

      December 10, 2018 at 15:47

      You must tell me what you think, David. It just gets better with time! xo

  2. Monika Dabrowski says

    December 11, 2018 at 06:59

    What an intriguing recipe, looks fabulous and sounds delicious!

    • colettezabo says

      December 11, 2018 at 12:50

      Thanks, Monika. Your turkey Wellington is on my menu this Christmas!

  3. Valentina says

    December 11, 2018 at 12:26

    Colette, you create the most beautiful and unique. I definitely want to give this a try. I love the flavors and my GF son can eat it! AND, I recently bought a bottle of rose water. Yay! I’m ready. Happy Holidays! xoxo

  4. colettezabo says

    December 11, 2018 at 12:51

    Thanks, Valentina! Let me know how you and your baby like it! xo

  5. Andrea says

    February 4, 2019 at 08:07

    Dear Colette, what an interesting confection! I had never seen nor heard of this one before and I am quite intrigued. The ingredients are relatively easy to come by, you explained the method so clearly, now I have to try and make these some day…I love to learn about foods that I diid not know before! Lovely post my friend!

    • colettezabo says

      February 4, 2019 at 12:14

      I have a dear friend who is Jain from Kenya. She showers me with the most interesting treats and foods. Then, of course, partly because I can’t find them in stores in and partly b/c I’m nuts, I try to replicate them in my kitchen!

      This is actually quite easy to make. The hardest part is having the patience to stir constantly for a good 15 mins. Luckily, you have some adorable helpers at hand!

Search for a RECIPE here!

About Coco

Welcome to Coco in the Kitchen! I am a proud Wife and Mommy cooking up some delicious meals and treats for my family. Follow along and collect some great dishes inspired by my Armenian roots and chocolate cravings! Get to know me more...

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