Scrooge No More - Hyderabadi Halwa Puris

I've never been a fan of Christmas. I sound like a scrooge when I say that. Growing up, we did not celebrate Christmas. We did not have a Christmas tree, or lights, or gifts. I would go to school in the New Year feeling empty-handed. All the little kids, talking about how they had made out like bandits with gifts and toys from family and friends. I always felt left out of the cold, both literally and figuratively.

We have a Christmas tree now. And there will be gifts. It does not take away from our family's own traditions and faith, but I think it helps to broaden it. Poet and Flower are very excited about spending Christmas with their family, cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandmother. They have excitedly watched as gifts have arrived, and they helped wrap and put bows on all the gifts. Blue for this gift, and white bows for another. Their favorite toys will hopefully make their cousins just as happy.

So Poet and Flower were even more excited when a package arrived from their aunt. They excitedly read the return address, California. It was a small box that read Peet's coffee. They were perplexed that a gift had come so soon and thought perhaps it was a mistake. Was it meant to be opened on Christmas? Was it really for them?

I emailed my cousin to investigate. Poet and Flower could hardly contain their excitement, but it was a little lesson in patience. They could not open the mystery box until they had the go-ahead. I did not want to ruin a Christmas surprise if that was what it was. My cousin promptly replied that it was indeed an early Christmas gift, that bringing it to our Christmas gathering would be more work than necessary. And she said all would make sense when we opened it.

The next day Poet had not forgotten about the box. He was excited (change word) that he could open it. G helped him gently cut through the tape. Poet opened it to find a lot of crumpled packing paper and another box. This one was small and carefully sealed closed. Together, Poet and G opened it to find a small glass jar. It was a jar of honey.

And suddenly, it all made sense. My cousin had started raising bees during the pandemic. And this was honey from her hive. My nephew handwrote the label, and the honey inside was golden and beautiful. Everyone had a spoonful of delicious sweet honey. It was perfect. A priceless gift that represents the best of the season, something so valuable that money cannot buy—instead a small jar of joy.

Hyderabadi Halwa Puris

This classic dessert was one of my mother's favorites. Sweet halva made with jaggery, coconut and channa dal in a crispy pastry shell. She would make them for Eid and special occasions. They take some time but are absolutely worth it. Slowly make the halva, then roll out the dough into little parcels. Gently fill them and fry them to perfection. They too are little bundles of joy.

Serves 6-8

Makes about 20 puris

For the dough

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup water

For the halwa

• 1/2 cup channa dal
• 1/4 cup ghee
• 1/2 cup milk
• 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 cup sugar
• few drops red food coloring
• Neutral oil for frying

To make the dough

1. In a medium bowl, mix flour, ghee, salt and milk. Slowly add in water a little at a time until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft and pliable but not sticky.
2. Cover with kitchen towel and let rest for 30 minutes.

To make the halwa

1. Soak the channa dal in 2 cups water for 5-6 hours or overnight.

2. Drain the dal. In a medium saucepan, cook the channa dal in 2 cups water for about 20 minutes until soft and mushy. Let cool.

3. Drain the channa dal and then blend in a food processor or blender until a smooth paste. Add just a little water so it comes together. Set aside.

4. In a food processor or blender, blend the almonds, coconut and milk until smooth. Set aside.

5. In a saute pan, over medium heat, add the ghee and channa dal. Cook, stirring frequently for about 15 minutes.
6. Add the milk mixture and continue to cook for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
7. Add the food coloring and sugar and continue to cook for about 10 minutes until the halwa is thickened and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
8. Let it cool completely.

Assembling and Make Puris

1. Divide the dough into small balls about 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
2. On a floured board, roll the dough into a circle about 6 inches in diameter. Roll it very thin, about 1/8 of inch thick.
3. Place 2 tablespoons of filling on one side. Then fold the dough over so it looks like a half moon. Seal the edges your fingers and pinch to make them decorative. You can also use a little water on the edges to help them seal better.
4. In a medium fry pan, heat oil over medium heat.
5. Add puris and fry 3-4 minutes each side until golden. Set aside on paper towels to cool.
6. Serve with a hot cup of tea.