For generations, women have been making this special pudding for their daughters and granddaughters. One of the things that they all have in common is that they can comprehend the deep pain and great nourishment that the body needs to stay healthy after childbirth. Some cultures feed new mothers with specific foods to promote health and lactation. In Guyana, a special pudding is made to give nourishment to women after childbirth – it is called halwa.
What Is Halwa?
Halwa is basically a sweet, spiced pudding. It is flavoured by the special halwa masala among other spices like ginger. Ginger is one of the most important as it adds a natural kick. Milk and flour is mixed into the masala paste and left to simmer. The result is a soft pudding, which may be very pleasing to the eye. However, it is most delicious and you may soon change your mind when you get a taste.
On nine days in Guyana Halwa is served as a special delight with puri but it can be eaten with paratha roti or dosti roti. It is enjoyed by both men and women alike days after a baby is born. However, there are some who consume it just after they got their baby.
Did You Know? In Indo-Caribbean culture, Halwa is made after the birth of a baby and is served to the mother to cleanse and help in breast milk production. In Guyana, it is a special treat reserved for nine-day celebrations.
Halwa Around The World
Halwa (also known as halva) is any of various dense, sweet confections which originated in the Middle East. It is also made in the Balkans, the Caucasus, Eastern Europe, Malta, North Africa, the Horn of Africa, and in the Jewish diaspora. In some Indian cultures, the dish is known as a soup-based sweet. Identical sweets exist in other countries, such as China, though these are not generally referred to as “halva”. In Guyana, the East Indians introduced their type of halwa and we Guyanese continue to make and use it down to this day.
Tip: The term halwa is used broadly to describe different types of semi-solid reductions based from either flour, nuts, or grains.
Varieties Of Halwa
Some varieties are smooth and soupy or firm and dense, like Turkish delight. Halwa made with carrot is quite common in Indian and Middle Eastern cultures. Another type of halwa is lapsi made with flour, milk, sugar, and ghee. Lapsi is served at Hindu pujas and other ceremonies. However, it is also made in the homes of many and enjoyed as a regular snack.
Making Halwa In Guyana
Halwa needs to be smooth and devoid of any lumps, which can be unsightly. The colour will vary based on the type of halwa masala used. For example, some are thick like a rice pudding texture while others are smooth and loose. Some persons like to add turmeric to the pre-packaged masala to make the yellow colour in Guyanese Halwa. Usually, the taste is sweet and with a hint of spice.
Halwa – Guyanese Style
Halwa
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp. halwa masala
- 1 cups flour
- 1/2 tbsp black pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp ginger, grated
- sugar
- 1 tbsp. ghee
- 1 tin evaporated milk
Method:
- Add flour to a pan and parch until golden brown.
- Remove flour from heat and strain to avoid any lumpy pieces.
- Mix in ginger and stir in milk.
- Add black pepper, turmeric, black pepper and sugar.
- Add halwa masala in a bowl and add water to make into a paste.
- Heat ghee in a skillet.
- Add the masala mixture and cook on low heat for a few minutes.
- Add flour mixture into the masala mixture on the stove and stir.
- Allow to cook until it gets thick.
Tips
- If your halwa gets too thick, add milk to thin it.
Guyana Halwa/Halwah || Masala Halwa || Made for Baby’s 9 Day Ceremony- Episode 31 l Matthew’s Guyanese Cooking
Halwa In Guyana
Many in Guyana enjoy eating halwa, whether they eat it as a normal snack or for a nourishment, they love it. However, some may not like it for its unique taste but it is good for the body. It is usually eaten with puri, dosti roti or paratha roti. Women especially love it because it helps to clean out their inside after giving birth and it also helps to bring down their milk. Healthy mothers have healthy babies so this great nourishment for the women’s body is cherished. Yes, Guyana is privilege to know the secret of this sweet, spiced pudding – halwa.
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Last Updated: 2020-07-14
