Sooji Halwa Recipe – Traditional Indian Semolina Dessert

Ingredients

1. 1 cup sooji (semolina/rava)
2. 1/2 cup ghee
3. 1 cup sugar
4. 3 cups water
5. 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
6. 10–12 cashews
7. 10–12 raisins
8. Pinch of saffron (optional)

Instructions

Roast the Semolina

1. Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat.
2. Add the cashews and raisins. Fry until the cashews become lightly golden and the raisins puff up.
3. Remove the fried cashews and raisins from the pan and set them aside.
4. Add the sooji to the same pan.
5. Roast the sooji over low heat, stirring frequently, until it becomes aromatic and turns light golden.

Make the Halwa

1. In a separate pan, bring the water and sugar to a boil.
2. Add the cardamom powder and saffron, if using.
3. Slowly pour the hot sugar water into the roasted sooji while stirring continuously.
4. Continue stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Cook until the sooji absorbs the liquid and the halwa becomes soft and thick.
6. Continue cooking until the halwa starts to leave the sides of the pan.

Final Touch

1. Add the fried cashews and raisins.
2. Mix everything together.
3. Serve the Sooji Halwa warm.