Semolina Halwa

Semolina Halwa

Semolina Halwa is a delicious dessert originated in India. It is made by toasting semolina in a fat like ghee or oil, and adding a sweetener like sugar syrup or honey. And when jazzed up with nuts and dried fruit, it is even more delicious!

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Semolina Halwa

Hello everyone! I hope you are doing well.

With the weekend approaching, it’s time to think about making something delicious. Just like rice recipe!

By the way, it is only my second sweet recipe I’ve shared so far this year (Please check out these Candied Pine Nuts; they’re so good.) Indeed I haven’t made and photographed any dessert this year yet. Well, it doesn’t mean we eat desserts at all, though :)

Semolina Halwa

Semolina Halwa is also known as Sooji Halwa. It is a tasty Indian dessert made by toasting semolina in fat (traditionally, ghee) and sugary syrup or honey. Variations on this include dried fruit, nuts, shredded coconut, and other toppings. It is also can be served as a breakfast item. Also, you can find similar semolina-based desserts in other cuisines.

Please note this version is not authentic. For starters, I used butter instead of ghee. Also, normally, semolina halwa has a moist, pudding-like consistency. While the original version is tasty too, I preferred something a bit drier, crumblier, and fluffier. To achieve this result, you simply need to cook halwa for a few minutes longer.

I used the combination of pine nuts, raisins, and apricots, and they paired beautifully. But I feel free to use whatever you like or has on hand. Think of almonds, pistachios, cashews, dried figs, and other tasty additions. You can also infuse it with some rose or orange blossom water, vanilla, cardamom, or saffron – just like I did here.

More Desserts with Dried Fruit and Nuts

Looking for more easy desserts with dried fruit and nuts? Here we go:

Date Pistachio Coconut Truffles

Bourbon Date Pecan Truffles

Pistachio Rose Madeleines

Candied Maple Pecan Crepes

I hope you like this Semolina Halwa, and you will give it a try shortly. If you make it, let me know in this post or send me an Instagram message or share your photos adding the hashtag #havocinthekitchen.

Cheers!

Semolina Halwa
Semolina Halwa

Semolina Halwa

Recipe by Ben | HavocinthekitchenCourse: Dessert
Servings

8-10

servings
Cooking time

30

minutes

Semolina Halwa is a delicious dessert originated in India. This variation is jazzed up with pine nuts, raisins, apricots, and cardamom.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (115 gr.) butter or ghee

  • 1 cup (~170 gr.) fine semolina

  • 1/4 cup pine nuts

  • 1/3 cup raisins

  • 4-6 dried apricots, sliced

  • 2 cups water

  • 1/4 cup honey

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • a pinch of salt

  • 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder, optional

  • 1/2 – 1 tsp. rose water (not rose essence) or more, as desired, optional

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract, optional

Directions

  • In a medium pot combine the water with sugar and honey, over medium heat, until the sugar has dissolved. Off the heat, but keep the syrup hot.
  • Place a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and melt the butter (ghee).
  • Reduce the heat to low. Add the semolina and toss it until it starts turning golden-brown, stirring continuously; that should take 7-9 minutes.
  • Stir in the pine nuts and toss for 2-3 minutes, until they are fragrant.
  • Add the raisins, apricots, salt, and cardamom, and give it a nice stir. if desired, stir in the vanilla and rose water.
  • Immediately pour the hot sugar syrup slowly into the pan and stir it continuously. Be careful – the mixture will be bubbling and splashing!
  • The semolina will start absorbing water and the mixture will turn thick. Cover the pan with the lid and let halwa cook for 7 – 10 minutes over a low heat, stirring often. At this stage, halwa will be soft and moist resembling pudding consistency.
  • Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, the halwa will start becoming crumbly. Here is your choice: for the moister consistency, turn the heat off. If you prefer crumblier and drier consistency (Like in my photos), give it another 2-5 minutes without lid; in this case keep stirring as it could stick to the bottom. Once satisfied with the consistency, off the heat.
  • Let it cool a bit then transfer to as serving plate (bowl.) Garnish with extra fruit and nuts, if desired. Serve it warm or cold. Store any leftovers in an air tight container for 1 to 2 days (It could dry out a little, but it will be still delicious).

22 thoughts on “Semolina Halwa

  1. Spice Zen says:

    Your semolina halwa recipe has me drooling! I can almost taste the delightful combination of semolina, ghee, and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. It’s such a comforting and indulgent dessert, perfect for satisfying those sweet cravings. I appreciate the detailed instructions and the helpful tips you’ve included. The garnish of nuts and raisins adds a lovely touch of crunch and texture. Thank you for sharing this delightful recipe. I can’t wait to give it a try!

  2. Purvee says:

    Wow Ben.. Purvee here.. Halva(Sheera) looks delicious and yes ghee will make huge difference in flavors! Miss you on Insta????

  3. Raymund Macaala says:

    It sounds so tempting and easy to make. I love trying new Indian desserts, and this one seems like a perfect treat for the weekend. It’s great to see how you’ve put your own twist on the traditional recipe by using butter and making it crumblier and fluffier. I can’t wait to try it out and experiment with different toppings like dried figs or pistachios.
    Raymund Macaala recently posted…Lutong Pinoy (London, United Kingdom)My Profile

  4. Marissa says:

    You have a knack for introducing me to new and exciting recipes, Ben! This dessert looks absolutely mouthwatering – love all of the flavors and textures.

  5. Michelle says:

    For a second I was getting confused with sesame halva — so thanks for teaching me something new! This dessert looks so inviting with all the contrasting flavours and textures!

  6. Liz says:

    Sounds wonderful filled with nuts and dried fruit. Especially since those ingredients will scare away the rest of the family (so picky!!) and it will all be mine :)

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