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Sooji Halwa / Semolina Pudding

 

 

Sooji Halwa, also known as Semolina Pudding, is a popular and traditional Indian dessert made from semolina (sooji), ghee (clarified butter), sugar, and water.

It’s a versatile dish that often includes nuts, such as almonds and cashews, and is flavored with cardamom.

Sooji Halwa has a rich, sweet taste and a soft, pudding-like texture.

It is commonly prepared during festivals, celebrations, or as a quick and comforting sweet treat at home. The dessert is loved for its simplicity, yet it offers a delightful burst of flavors.

 

Importance of Sooji Halwa/ Semolina Pudding

Sooji Halwa holds significant cultural and symbolic importance as the first dessert after marriage in many communities. This tradition is rooted in the idea of sweetness symbolizing joy, prosperity, and the beginning of a new, harmonious journey for the newlyweds.

This is also the first dessert that I prepared when I ventured into the kitchen for the first time. I presented it as the foremost dish, inviting my elders to savor it and seek their blessings. This is why it’s so special :

1. Sooji Halwa, with its rich, sweet flavor, is considered an auspicious way to begin married life. It sets a positive and sweet tone for the couple’s journey ahead, symbolizing the hope for a life filled with happiness and joy.
2. It is versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences. It includes various nuts, spices, and even fruits, making it a dessert that can be personalized to the liking of the newlyweds.
3. This comforting and warm dessert is often associated with a sense of home and nurturing. Offering Sooji Halwa is a way to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for the couple as they embark on their new life together.
4. In many families, elders or well-wishers may prepare and serve Sooji Halwa as a gesture of blessing the couple. This tradition connects the couple with the wisdom and good wishes of those who have experienced the journey of marriage.
5. It is relatively easy to prepare, making it a practical choice for immediate post-wedding celebrations. Its simplicity allows for stress-free inclusion in the festivities, ensuring that the focus remains on the joyous occasion.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina (Sooji)
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup sugar / 1 cup Monk Fruit Sweetener (to make it sugar-free)
• For a healthy option, replace 1 cup of Sugar with 1 cup of Jaggery powder
• 3 cups warm water
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A handful of mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews)
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)

Steps To Make It

1. Prepare Dry Fruits:

• Roughly chop almonds and cashews, roast them a bit in an air fryer, or sauté it on gas till it’s light brown.
• Keep them aside.

2. Roast Semolina:

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee over medium heat.
• Add semolina/sooji and roast it until golden brown, stirring continuously to avoid burning. This gives the halwa/pudding a rich flavor.
• Slowly add the warm water to the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

3. Cook Semolina Mixture:

• Keep stirring the semolina-water mixture until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

4. Add Sugar and Cardamom:

• Add sugar to the semolina mixture and mix well. Continue to cook until the sugar dissolves and the halwa reaches a smooth consistency.
• Add cardamom powder for flavor.

5. Add Dry Fruits:

• Add the chopped almonds, cashews, and raisins to the halwa. Mix well.
• If using saffron, soak a pinch of saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk. Add this mixture to the halwa/pudding for a fragrant touch and a subtle yellow color.

6. Simmer and Garnish:

• • Allow the halwa to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency. It should be soft and not too dry.
  • Garnish with some more dry fruits for a crunchy texture.
  • Your delicious Sooji ka Halwa/ Semolina Pudding with Dry Fruits is ready to be served! Enjoy it warm as a delightful dessert or a sweet treat on festive occasions.

This classic recipe with the richness of dry fruits adds a delightful twist to the traditional Sooji ka Halwa/ Semolina Pudding. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!

For Diabetics or Weight Watchers, you can always replace Sugar with Monk Fruit Sweetener.

Opt for a healthier alternative by using jaggery powder instead of sugar. Remember that this substitution will result in a slightly darker color for your Sooji Halwa.

The Sooji Halwa recipe is not just a culinary delight but a journey into tradition, warmth, and the heart of cultural celebrations.

As the rich aroma fills the kitchen, it carries with it the essence of sweetness and new beginnings.

Whether it’s the first dessert after marriage or creation in your very first foray into the kitchen, Sooji Halwa transcends its ingredients to become a symbol of joy, blessings, and the shared moments that make cooking a truly soulful experience.

 

You can check my other recipes on my Recipes blog.

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