Occasionally I am asked by Jacoba of Just Food Now, to pair a good tea with one of her scrumptious desserts. Recently we collaborated on Habshi Halwa, a dessert native of India.
The rich, syrupy sweetness of Habshi Halwa deserves a strong black tea sweetened moderately with sugar. My recommendation? Mountain Malt from the Gingia Estate in Assam, India sold by The Simple Leaf. The strength of Mountain Malt could stand up against the decadence of Habshi Halwa without being overpowered. The various spices contained in this dessert would certainly be complemented by the malty flavor of Moutain Malt. Maltiness is a customary characteristic of teas from Assam, India.
I thought you would enjoy more details about Habshi Halwa. Those details are included below from Just Food Now:
“Certainly the best of the best Indian sweet, made from caramelized milk, sugar, ghee and wheat flour it is the supreme ruler of Halwa. They are juicy with more flavour than is believable in one sweet – an absolute treat! Almonds, cashews or pistachios are combined in a thick stiff bechamel type base and raisins, cardamom, saffron, mace or nutmeg turn this halwa into the superior sweet treat that it is. I prefer the ones that are not so sweet so that the tastes can come through freely since I find the other kind, the sweet kind simply too sweet.”
If Habshi Halwa has peaked your interest, check out Just Food Now for more desserts native to India. I chose Mountain Malt Tea to pair with Habshi Halwa. What would be your choice?
