Sooji halwa Recipe
5/5
Sooji Halwa is a traditional Indian dessert made with semolina, sugar, ghee, and aromatic spices like cardamom. It is a popular sweet dish often served during festivals and special occasions. The semolina is roasted in ghee until golden brown, giving it a rich and nutty flavor. It is then cooked with a sugar syrup until it reaches a thick and pudding-like consistency. The addition of cardamom powder adds a delightful aroma and enhances the taste of the halwa. Sooji Halwa is often garnished with fried nuts and raisins for added texture and visual appeal. It is best enjoyed warm and makes for a comforting and satisfying dessert.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
- 1 tablespoon raisins
INSTRUCTIONS
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat and add the ghee. Once the ghee melts, add the semolina (sooji) to the pan.
- Roast the semolina in ghee, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This will take around 7-8 minutes.
- While roasting the semolina, in a separate saucepan, heat the water and sugar together. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Once the semolina is roasted, slowly pour the sugar syrup into the pan with semolina. Be careful as it may splutter.
- Stir well to combine the semolina and sugar syrup. Cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cardamom powder and mix well.
- In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee and add the chopped nuts and raisins. Fry them until the nuts turn golden brown and the raisins plump up.
- Add the fried nuts and raisins to the semolina mixture and mix well.
- Remove from heat and cover the pan for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve the Sooji Halwa warm and garnish with more nuts if desired.
TIPS
- Use fine semolina (sooji/rava) for a smooth texture in the halwa.
- Adjust the sugar quantity according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less sugar as per your liking.
- Be attentive while roasting the semolina to avoid burning. Stir continuously to ensure even browning.
- You can add saffron strands to the sugar syrup for a beautiful yellow color and a subtle saffron flavor.
- Feel free to customize the halwa by adding grated coconut, mashed bananas, or other fruits for variation.
- Serve the Sooji Halwa warm or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of yogurt.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: 250-300
- Carbohydrates: 40-45 grams
- Protein: 3-5 grams
- Fat: 10-12 grams
- Fiber: 1-2 grams
