Sooji Halwa, also known as Semolina Halwa or Rava Kesari, is a popular Indian dessert made from semolina (sooji), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and nuts. Here’s a simple recipe to make it at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup sooji (semolina)
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 cups water
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, etc.)
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- Raisins (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Measure out the sooji, sugar, water, ghee, cardamom powder, and nuts.
- If using saffron, soak it in a tablespoon of warm milk.
- Roast the Semolina:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat.
- Add the sooji to the pan and dry roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns aromatic and light golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure not to burn it.
- Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In another saucepan, bring the water to a boil.
- Add the sugar to the boiling water and stir until it completely dissolves. This forms the sugar syrup.
- Combine Semolina with Sugar Syrup:
- Once the sugar syrup is ready, slowly pour it into the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid any lumps from forming.
- Cook the Halwa:
- Keep stirring the mixture continuously to prevent any lumps from forming and to ensure that the sooji absorbs the sugar syrup evenly.
- Add the ghee to the mixture and continue stirring.
- If using saffron, add it along with the milk.
- Cook the halwa until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Flavorings and Nuts:
- Once the halwa reaches the desired consistency add the cardamom powder and mix well.
- Stir in the chopped nuts and mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the halwa.
- If using raisins, you can add them at this stage as well.
- Serve Hot:
- Once done, remove the halwa from the heat and transfer it to a serving dish.
- Garnish with some more chopped nuts if desired.
- Sooji Halwa is typically served hot but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.