Aryan Simhadri shares his spin on traditional Halwa recipe

Although some Tika Tacos were his food dream in the Disney Channel movie Spin, Aryan Simhadri has a more traditional favorite food that his family loves. During a recent conversation, Simhadri shared his family’s Halwa recipe. Could it be the perfect treat to enjoy while gathering the family to watch Spin?

Directed by Manjari Makijany, Spin tells the story of Rhea and her family. As Rhea discovers the melody to her life, the family restaurant, the Spirit of India, brings the flavor to the story.

As Rohan, the younger brother in the story, Simhadri is continually dreaming up ideas to bring some new “spice” or “spin” to the family restaurant. While his specialty menu item is Tika Tacos, that idea is more than just a modern version of Tika Masala. It is about blending that new and old in a single bite.

During a recent chat with Simhadri, he gave a little insight about the flavors in Spin’s Tika Tacos. From a paneer to some mint chutney to even some butter chicken, those tacos sounded like an enticing combination of flavors.

Even though Spin shows some traditional foods and some new fusion ideas, that connection to family and food is an important part of Indian culture and tradition. As discussed during the interview, the idea of passing down recipes is key.

In the Indian family, food is more than just satisfying a hunger. It is a memory, a connection, a story to be told. When people come to the table, that plate of food is meant to be shared. More importantly, it is an open invitation to join the celebration.

As seen in Spin, the Spirit of India’s Sunday dinner has guests ready to break into dance, that celebration of good times and good food isn’t limited to just the movie scene. While Simhadri might not break out the dance movies at his family’s table, enjoying a delicious Indian meal is always a joyous celebration.

This Halwa recipe is a favorite for Aryan Simhadri

While Spin showcases a variety of Indian dishes, each of the Disney Channel’s stars have favorite India recipes that are part of their family traditions. For Simhadri, he enjoys Halwa and wanted to share an easy recipe that any home cook can master.

For those unfamiliar, Halwa is a sweet food. While recipes vary, it is often made with semolina or farina (which is like cream of wheat). Combining that ingredient with ghee, sugar, nuts and cardamon powder the flavor is sweet yet that cardamon spice brings everyone back for another bite.

While this Halwa recipe is one version, other recipes can be made from carrot, pineapple or other fruits. As Simhadri commented about this recipe, it is “family recipe that we have been making for decades during family get-togethers, special occasions and festivals.”

Here’s how to make his family’s Halwa recipe.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp + ¼ cup ghee / clarified butter
• 10 cashews (halves)
• 1 tbsp raisins
• ½ cup semolina (fine)
• 1 cup water
• ¾ cup sugar (add ½-1 cup depending on your choice)
• 2 tbsp saffron
• ¼ tsp cardamom power

Process:

• Firstly, heat 2 tbsp ghee / clarified butter and roast 10 cashews, 1 tbsp raisins on low flame. Once the cashews turn golden brown, keep aside.
• Now in the same ghee, roast ½ cup Semolina. Roast on low flame for 5 minutes or till it turns aromatic. keep aside.
• In a large Pan, boil 1 cup water.Keeping the flame on low, add in ½ cup roasted Semolina. Stir continuously till Semolina absorbs water and no lumps are formed.
• Add ¾ cup sugar keeping the flame on low, stir well till the sugar dissolves.
• Further add 2 tbsp saffron water (soak few treads of saffron in 2 tbsp of warm water for 15 minutes)
• Also add ¼ cup ghee and stir continuously.
• Make sure the mixture is combined well and no lumps are present.
• Cover and simmer for 2 minutes or till Semolina gets cooked well completely.
• Additionally add roasted cashews, raisins and ¼ tsp cardamom power.
• Mix well till Semolina separates from pan.
• Serve Halwa as a dessert either warm or cold.

Whether your family makes this Halwa recipe, tries to create some Tika Tacos or enjoys an Indian dish from a favorite restaurant, enjoying a great meal while watching Spin on the Disney Channel is the perfect way to spend an evening.

Life is full of flavor. Like the music that fills the soundtrack of the day, you just have to be open the  experience.