Shiro

Shiro, also known as halwa, is a soft, sweet pudding. It is considered auspicious, often made during festivals like Holi and Diwali as ‘prasad’, a gift first offered to God, after which it is served to devotees.

I’ve picked two of the healthiest versions of this hot saffron- and cardamom-infused dessert, one made with amaranth flour and one with mung dal, but both rich in protein and sweetened with honey (or you can use jaggery). The shiro is stirred until the texture is smooth and it is served with lots of nuts for that necessary crunch.