India, Jan. 7 -- Winter desserts in Indian homes are often chosen for their ability to provide nourishment along with taste, and moong dal halwa holds a special place in this tradition. Prepared slowly with soaked moong dal, ghee, and jaggery, this dessert is commonly served during colder months when energy needs increase, especially for growing children.

Moong dal halwa has its roots in North Indian cooking, where lentil-based sweets were preferred for their natural strength-giving properties. Moong dal itself has been cultivated in the Indian subcontinent and was valued for being light yet filling. Turning it into a halwa allowed families to combine nutrition with a festive-style dessert suited for winter evenings.

Using jaggery inste...