Halva- sherra

Halva is a great traditional dessert that almost every Indian loves. Halva is nourishing, and it's a "feel good" food. This recipe is very dear to me because it is associated with memories of my father.
My father loved to make and eat halva. As a 9 year old i used to help him in kitchen, so making halva was actually my first cooking lesson.

 Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 10-12 minute
Serves:  4-6

Level: very easy recipe

Recipe type: , DF = Dairy Free,
 J = Jain,
 V Vegan

Ingredients:
3/4 cup whole wheat flour add 1/4 cup cream of wheat
1/2 cup drawn butter or ghee or canola oil for vegan recipe
3 cups water
1/2 cup of brown sugar and /or add jagr i(healthy calories) 
several slivered almonds
several strands of saffron
2 tbsp golden raisin
1/4 tsp of ground cardamom powder

Directions:
In a saucepan add 3 cups of water add saffron and sugar or jagri and bring it to a boil.and set it aside.
Roast flour mixed with cream of wheat with butter or oil in a heavy pan  till it turns golden brown.
It's a good idea to to add raisins to the flour while roasting. Golden raisins will turn plump once the flour is roasted.
Once it is roasted add the boiled water and mix well.cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes or until it thickens. Keep stirring slowly till it thickens to prevent sticking.
Cover and cook for two more minutes. The ghee or oil will start separating on the side.
Empty the mixture into a serving dish and Garnish with cardamom and slivered almonds.

Tips:To save yourself some trouble,you can make the cream of wheat mixture in advance. Once the mixture is ready it can be placed in a glass bowl and microwave for 4-5 minutes. This will help to keep the mixture from sticking to the pan. 
Drawn butter can also be made in microwave.I explained the process in my morning class in which I gave instructions on making it for Sunday breakfast.  My students were very happy with results and taste.