Ingredients:

For Almond Paste:

• 1 cup almonds (badam)
• 1/2 cup milk

For Halwa:

• 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A few chopped almonds and pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

Preparing the Almond Paste:

1. Soak the almonds in hot water for about 4-6 hours or overnight. This makes it easier to peel the skin.

2. After soaking, peel the almonds. The skin should come off easily.

3. Grind the peeled almonds with milk to make a smooth paste. You can use a food processor or a blender for this.

Making the Badam Halwa:

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai.

2. Add the almond paste to the pan and cook on medium heat. Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

3. Continue to cook and stir for about 15-20 minutes until the almond paste thickens, and you can see the ghee separating from it. The mixture should turn into a golden brown color.

4. Add sugar and continue to cook. The sugar will release water, and the mixture will become slightly liquidy again.

5. Keep stirring until the halwa thickens once more and starts leaving the sides of the pan.

6. If using saffron strands, you can soak them in a tablespoon of warm milk and add them to the halwa. This adds a nice flavor and color to the halwa.

7. Finally, add cardamom powder and mix well.

8. Remove the pan from the heat.

9. Garnish with chopped almonds and pistachios.

10. Your Badam Halwa is ready to be served. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

This rich and creamy Badam Halwa is a delightful dessert. It's perfect for celebrations and special occasions, and its unique almond flavor is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.