Wash dal thoroughly and soak in 3 cups of water for at least 4 hours.

Drain the water and blend dal into a thick paste, adding just enough water as needed to blend.

Boil water and sugar in a pan over medium heat, for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cardamom powder and saffron; set aside.

In a non-stick or heavy bottom frying pan add moong dal paste and melted butter. Mix well.

Turn on the stove to medium heat and fully cook dal paste. Use spatula to gently press the paste, then fold the paste over and press again. Repeat this pressing and folding of the dal paste several times until the texture becomes grainy and light brown in color. This will take approximately 15 minutes, and will have a sweet, mild aroma when it is cooked.

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add syrup to the dal, little at a time. The syrup will splatter as you are adding. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Remove cover, stir and cook for another minute. Turn off the heat.

Garnish with almonds. The halwa will thicken over time. Halwa tastes best if it is served warm.