Wheat Halwa- Kada Prasad

Kada Prasad is a dish that needs no introduction because the name of the recipe already introduces itself. 

When it comes to comfort, this wheat halwa or atta halwa is where it’s at – sweet, aromatic, and absolutely comforting!

What is Wheat Halwa- Kada Prasad?

Wheat halwa, also known as Aate ka Halwa Recipe (Kada Prasad), is a North Indian flour-based dessert.

In this term, Wheat Halwa- Kada Prasad, 

• Halwa means – a sweet dessert made with milk, flour, sugar, ghee, and cardamom.
• Kadah prasad refers to a sacred sweet offered to god or guru.

Collectively it means, a scared wheat flour dessert offered to Guru.

Kadah Prasad is served to all the visitors who visit the Gurudwara (a worship place for Sikhs or Guru ka darbar) and the blessings of Waheguru (God) are passed on to one and all. 

How is Wheat Halwa- Kada Prasad prepared in Gurudwara?

On Sundays, every Gurudwara worldwide is filled with a sweet aroma of Aate ka Halwa Recipe (Kada Prasad).

Early in the morning, after the kitchen is well cleaned, Kadha prasad is made in a huge Kadai (Karah). The Bhai Ji (brother or sir) at the gurudwara prepares wheat halwa- Kada Prasad with his head covered, barefooted, and reciting hymns in praise of Waheguru (the supreme lord).

This prepared Kadha prasad is then placed (covered with a cloth) near the Holy book Guru Granth Sahib Ji while the hymns (Shabad) are recited.  Following the Ardas (prayer ceremony), kadha prasad is offered to the god. Then it’s divided into 5 portions with a kirpan ( a small sword) in the honor of Panj Pyaras (the 5 beloved men). 

After this, Prasad is distributed by sevadars (voluntary service). The right way to receive the Prashad is with both hands cupped over each other (as shown below). After eating the kadha Prashad, all the people (Sangat) advance towards Langar (simple food offered by Guru’s kitchen). 

No matter how close we try to prepare Aate ka Halwa Recipe (Kada Prasad), the one distributed at gurudwara is heavenly and has its own rich taste.

Gurudwara is so spiritual and serene, and it gives you peace and tranquility.

Ingredients required to make Wheat Halwa- Kada Prasad

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for the printable recipe card with a full ingredients quantity and detailed instructions.

» Flour – the star ingredient. Use whole wheat flour to make Kada prasad. Traditionally, Gurudwara halwa or Kadha Parshad is made of only whole wheat along with sugar & ghee. No dry nuts are added.

But at times, if I am not making it for prasad, I replace 2 tablespoons of wheat flour with sooji (semolina). Sooji adds a grainy texture and crunch to atta halwa.

» Sugar – to sweeten our atta halwa. I have added 3/4 cup of sugar to our wheat halwa, and it is just perfect. But if you prefer your halwa to be on the sweet side, feel free to add a tablespoon of sugar. 

» Water – a liquid is required to cook the halwa. For an extra moist halwa, you can do 50-50, meaning; you can add 3/4 cup of milk and 3/4 cup of water to the recipe. 

» Ghee – a must-have to cook Aate ka Halwa. It deepens the flavors and brings out the deliciousness. 

» Eliachi Powder (Cardamon Powder) – adds flavor to aate ka halwa. 

How to make Aate ka Halwa Recipe (Kada Prasad)?

This atta halwa is made up of two steps- 

• Make sugar mixture
• Dry-roast Flour, and
• Assemble Halwa

Step: 1-

Begin the recipe by making the sugar mixture. Combine sugar and water in a pan. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until sugar dissolves. Once done, remove the pot from heat and set aside.

Step: 2- 

Add ghee to a heavy-bottomed pan. Turn the heat to medium-low heat and allow the ghee to melt. Add wheat flour to the melted ghee. Keep stirring wheat flour until the color changes from light brown to a deep golden brown – for about 8-10 minutes.

Step: 3-

Once the flour turns deep brown in color, turn the gas dial to the lowest setting. Gradually add the water, stirring continuously to prevent the halwa from turning lumpy. Continue stirring constantly until the water evaporates and the halwa starts to thickens.

Take aate ka halwa recipe (Kada Prasad) off the heat and serve hot.

Recipe tips and variations to make Gurudwara wala Prasad

This Aate ka halwa (Kada Prasad) is the simplest and easiest recipe you will ever make. Just follow a few know-how to a smooth and creamy textured halwa-

» It’s pretty much impossible to mess up this recipe, and the secret to making the best atta halwa is to stir, stir, and stir. Do not leave wheat halwa unattended at any time.  

» Do not cut back on the ghee – Ghee is a must for this recipe. If your atta halwa feels dry, feel free to add some more ghee during the dry-roasting process.

» Maintain the heat through the dry-roasting process. High heat will burn the flour-ghee mixture. 

» We do not need sugar syrup for our Kada prasad; therefore, boil the sugar until it’s completely dissolved in water. 

» Before adding sugar, make sure the flour is deep brown in color. It may burn if neglected.

» Be careful while adding sugar water, as the water will splash when it hits the hot pan/kadai. Use a long spoon to mix the halwa. 

» While adding water, keep stirring frequently to avoid lump formation. 

Can I add jaggery instead of sugar?

Of course, you can! Substitute sugar with an equal amount of jaggery, and the rest of the recipe remains the same. Just a note – the color of halwa will deepen because of the addition of jaggery.

Can I add dry nuts to Wheat halwa?

You most certainly can! Feel free to add slivered almonds, raisins, pistachio for a boost of flavor.

Can I use swap butter for ghee?

Absolutely! Use unsalted butter to make the halwa.

Wheat halwa or atte ka halwa is often made on festive occasions like Krishna Janmashtami, Mahashivratri, Baisakhi, and Purnima night. 

So, from my kitchen to yours, a simple yet easy recipe of atta Halwa- Kada Prasad. 

Should you make this atta ka halwa, please let me know your thoughts by sharing your comment below. 

And don’t forget to share it with your family and friends.

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