Our kids love this traditionally Indian treat. It's simple to make and a great addition to our breakfast rotation.
Sooji Halwa, also known as Semolina Halwa or Sheera, is a popular Indian dessert made from semolina (sooji) and typically flavored with cardamom, saffron, and garnished with nuts. It's easy to prepare and makes for a delicious sweet treat. Here's a basic recipe to make Sooji Halwa:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands (optional, for color and flavor)
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) for garnishing
- Raisins (optional) for added sweetness and texture
Instructions:
- Heat the water in a saucepan until it starts to boil. If using saffron, soak a pinch of saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk and set it aside.
- In a separate heavy-bottomed pan or kadai, heat the ghee over medium heat.
- Add the semolina to the hot ghee and roast it on low to medium flame until it turns light golden brown. Stir continuously to avoid burning. This step is essential to prevent the halwa from being lumpy and gives it a nice nutty aroma.
- Once the semolina is roasted, slowly add the boiling water to the pan while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Be careful as the mixture will splutter when you add water, so keep a safe distance.
- Cook the semolina in the water until it absorbs all the water and becomes soft and thick. Keep stirring to avoid any lumps.
- Add the sugar and continue stirring. The sugar will melt and further loosen the halwa.
- Add the soaked saffron along with the milk (if using) and cardamom powder to the halwa. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- At this point, you can add the raisins if desired for added sweetness and texture.
- Cook the halwa for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. It should be thick, not too dry nor too runny.
- Turn off the heat and garnish the Sooji Halwa with chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios.
- Serve the delicious Sooji Halwa hot or warm. It can be enjoyed as a standalone dessert or alongside pooris or any Indian meal.
Enjoy your homemade Sooji Halwa! It's a delightful dessert that is sure to be loved by everyone.