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Sooji or Semolina Halwa

Semolina Halwa (Sooji Halwa)

268kcal
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Prep 10 minutes
Cook 30 minutes
Total 40 minutes
A quick and comforting Indian dessert, sooji halwa comes together in just 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Rich with ghee, cardamom, and saffron, this warm semolina pudding is a perfect low-effort, high-reward treat for any occasion.
Servings 4 servings
Course Dessert
Cuisine Indian

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Semolina Sooji
  • 1/2 cup Sugar
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1/4 tsp Cardamom powder or 6 green cardamoms
  • 2 tbsp Ghee substitute with oil for a vegan version
  • 1 tbsp Almond Slivers
  • 1 tbsp Cashews chopped
  • 3 strands saffron few strands

Method

Preparation
  1. Make fresh cardamom powder by crushing the green cardamoms in a mortar and pestle.
    2. Remove the skins (they’re great for masala chai).
  2. In a separate pan, combine water, sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron. Heat gently until the sugar dissolves.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa, Sugar, Cardamom Powder, Saffron
Cooking the Halwa
  1. Melt ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa, Ghee
    2. A heavy pan prevents the sooji from burning and promotes even roasting.
  2. Add the sooji and mix well to coat it with the ghee.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa
  3. Stir immediately to avoid uneven roasting.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa
  4. Roast the sooji, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa
    5. This is the most important step—proper roasting gives the halwa its nutty flavor. Don’t rush it.
  5. Add almonds and cashews and mix them in.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa
  6. Continue cooking for another 1–2 minutes, then carefully add the warm sugar syrup.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa
    7. Add the syrup slowly while stirring to avoid splattering and lumps.
  7. Mix well.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa
  8. Keep stirring until the liquid is absorbed and the mixture thickens.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa
  9. Serve the sooji halwa hot, garnished with nuts. The texture should be soft, slightly grainy, and rich with the aroma of ghee and cardamom.
    Sooji or Semolina Halwa

Nutrition

Calories268kcalCarbohydrates42gProtein4gFat10gSaturated Fat5gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat4gCholesterol19mgSodium8mgPotassium88mgFiber1gSugar25gVitamin A4IUVitamin C1mgCalcium16mgIron1mg

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