வாழைப்பழ அல்வா (Banana Halwa with Cornstarch)
Banana halwa is one of the variety in halwa, which is made from Banana and cornstarch. Cornstarch halwa is popular in Greece. Banana halwa can be prepared without cornstarch as well. I like to prepare this halwa with jaggery instead of refined sugar, which gives enhanced taste to this recipe.
Ingredients for Banana Halwa
Banana – 2 big (small – 4)
Cornstarch – 3 tbs
Jaggery – 1 cup
Ghee – 1/4. cup
Cashews – 1 tbs
Cardamom – 2
Water – 1.5 cups
Directions
Pre-preparation
Peel the banana and slice into small pieces.
Add the banana slices and corn starch in a mixie jar.
Pour 1 cup of water and puree the banana.
Heat ghee in a pan and golden fry cashews.
Take out the fried cashews and leave the ghee in pan.
Heat jaggery and 1/2 cup of water in a separate pan.
Stop the flame when jaggery completely dissolved.
Prepare Halwa
Pour the banana puree into the ghee pan.
Stir continuously without leaving hand in medium flame.
After the halwa starts thickening, pour the filtered jaggery water.
Add ghee little by little and stir the halwa for 20-25 minutes.
Drizzle the crushed cardamom and switch off the flame.
Transfer the halwa into a pan.
Garnish the fried cashews over the halwa.
Banana halwa ready.
Notes
If your Banana is so sweet you may reduce the jaggery. quantity
Pictures
Ingredients 
Take banana in a mixie jar 
Add 3 tbsp cornstarch 
Pour 1 cup water 
Grind well 
Banana Purée ready 
Take 1 cup jaggery in a pan 
Pour 1/2 cup water and heat in medium flame until jaggery melts 
Take a wide pan and add ghee and Cashews; Fry in medium flame 
Take out when color changes 
Pour banana puree in same pan 
Stir continuously until thickens 
Use a filter to add jaggery water 
Mix well 
Continue stir for about 20 minutes 
Add ghee little by little in between 
Halwa consistency 
Crushed cardamom 
Add crushed cardamom, mix well and switch off flame 
Transfer to a serving bowl/ pan 
Garnish with Cashews; Halwa ready
