3 1/2 cups sugar
1 liter water (take out 1/2 cup and set aside)
yellow food coloring (Powder is available at most halal shops.)
1/2 cup + 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/2 cup butter
3/4 ts. cardamom powder
1 ts. nutmeg
3 Tbsp. oil
peanuts (optional)
1. Mix the food coloring in a half cup of water; set aside for 15 minutes.
2. Combine the remaining water, sugar, and cornstarch; stir well.
3. Once the sugar and cornstarch are well mixed; turn up the heat to medium - high (7 or 8) and
add the food coloring and water mixture.
4. Do not stir until it thickens.
5. In a small bowl, mix 1 Tbsp. oil with the cardamom and nutmeg.
6. Stir halwa every two minutes until it had thickened a bit.
7. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. of oil and stir well.
8. Add the butter a little at a time, mixing in between.
9. Keep stirring mixture until it is very thick; add the oil and cardamom mixture.
10. Keep stirring until it is too difficult to stir the halwa.
11. Pour the halwa into a greased pan; cover with plastic wrap and set aside to cool.
If you are using nuts, you can sprinkle them in the pan and then top with the halwa.