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Sooji Halwa (Indian Semolina Pudding)
4.9 from 93 votes

Sooji Halwa (Indian Semolina Pudding)

Sooji Halwa is a smooth Indian pudding made from finely ground semolina lightly roasted in ghee, then cooked with a mixture of milk and water sweetened with sugar. Flavored with cardamom and saffron and garnished with toasted mixed nuts, this pudding offers a comforting, mildly spiced dessert with a soft, slightly creamy texture that holds its shape well. The careful roasting of semolina and separately boiled liquids ensures a well-cooked halwa that's neither lumpy nor gritty.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 121 kcal
Course: Dessert, Breakfast
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup semolina fine, aka Sooji or Rava
  • 1/4 cup ghee
  • 1/3 cup sugar can be increased to 1/2 cup depending on taste
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 1/2 cup water reduce to 1 cup water for a crumbly texture for sheera
  • 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder aka Elaichi
  • saffron few strings, aka Kesar
  • 1/4 cup mixed nuts chopped, divided (cashews, almonds, pistachios, raisins)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. In a pot, add the water, milk, sugar, cardamom and saffron. Heat on medium-high flame until it comes to a boil. Turn off once there is a boil.
  2. While the above step is going on, heat a pan on medium-low flame. Add sooji and ghee. Roast it while stirring continuously until it starts turning golden. 
  3. Add half of the nuts to the pan and roast along with the semolina. Turn the flame to low as soon as the sooji lightly browns.
  4. Pour in milk, water and sugar mixture, while stirring. Be careful as there will be some splatter when you initially start pouring, but that will stop once once of the mixture is added. 
  5. The halwa will boil and thicken. Keep stirring. 
  6. Remove from flame when it just thickens. Let it cool. Garnish with remaining nuts. Serve immediately. 

Notes

  • Use fine semolina (sooji) for the proper texture of the pudding.
  • The recommended semolina to liquid ratio is 1:4 for a soft pudding; reduce the liquid for a crumbly texture.
  • Combine milk and water for cooking; milk contributes to a creamier, lighter color.
  • Roast the semolina slowly in ghee for best flavor and color development.
  • Boil the milk, water, sugar, and spices separately before adding to the semolina to ensure a smooth pudding.
  • Ghee is important for flavor and texture, so avoid using less than specified.
  • Nuts, cardamom, and saffron are optional but recommended to enhance taste and presentation.
  • Serve warm or cold; reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories 121kcal (6%) Carbohydrates 12g (4%) Fat 8g (12%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 21mg (7%) Sodium 12mg (1%) Potassium 26mg (1%) Sugar 12g (24%) Vitamin A 35IU (1%) Calcium 25mg (3%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 121

% Daily Value*

Calories 121kcal 6%
Carbohydrates 12g 4%
Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 21mg 7%
Sodium 12mg 1%
Potassium 26mg 1%
Sugar 12g 24%
Vitamin A 35IU 1%
Calcium 25mg 3%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.