Suji Halva

Suji Halva Recipe from India: A Delicious Dessert Made with Semolina, Sugar, Ghee, and More

Region / culture: India | Servings: 4

Introduction

Suji Halva is a popular Indian dessert made from semolina, sugar, ghee, and various nuts and spices. It is a sweet and rich dish that is often served during special occasions and festivals.

History

Suji Halva has been a traditional Indian dessert for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent and has since spread to other parts of the world.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of suji (semolina)
0.5 cup of sugar
0.5 cup of ghee
1.5 cups of water
1 oz (28 g) of sliced almonds
1 oz (28 g) of raisins
8 green cardamoms

How to prepare

Boil 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water together for 5 minutes.
Heat 1 tbsp of ghee, add 1 cup of suji, and stir on low heat until the mixture becomes light creamy in color and the ghee starts to leave the side of the pan.
Add the syrup to the suji mixture and stir briskly until it is fully absorbed.
Mix in 1 tsp of crushed cardamom seeds, 0.25 cup of almonds, and 0.25 cup of raisins.
Serve the dish hot.

Variations

You can add saffron or rose water for a different flavor profile.
Substitute sugar with jaggery for a healthier alternative.
Add grated coconut or chopped pistachios for extra texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to continuously stir the suji while roasting it in ghee to prevent it from burning.

- Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences.

- You can add more nuts and dried fruits for extra flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Suji Halva can be served hot as a dessert or snack. It pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Techniques

Roast the suji on low heat to prevent burning.

- Stir continuously while adding the sugar syrup to avoid lumps.

- Garnish with nuts and dried fruits for a decorative touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter or vegetable oil instead of ghee.

- Replace almonds with cashews or pistachios.

- Swap raisins with dried cranberries or apricots.

Make Ahead Tips

Suji Halva can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Suji Halva in individual bowls garnished with extra nuts and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. You can also shape it into small balls or squares for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Suji Halva pairs well with a cup of hot chai tea or a glass of cold milk. It can also be enjoyed with a scoop of mango or pistachio ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Suji Halva in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Suji Halva typically contains around 300-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

Suji Halva is a high-carbohydrate dish due to the presence of semolina and sugar. It provides a quick source of energy and can be a satisfying treat.

Fats

Ghee is the main source of fat in Suji Halva, providing richness and flavor to the dish. It is a saturated fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.

Proteins

Nuts like almonds and raisins in Suji Halva provide a good amount of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Suji Halva contains essential vitamins and minerals from the nuts and spices used in the recipe. Almonds are a good source of vitamin E and magnesium, while cardamom provides antioxidants.

Alergens

Suji Halva contains nuts (almonds) and ghee, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be cautious if you have nut or dairy allergies.

Summary

Suji Halva is a high-calorie dessert that provides carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals. It should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Suji Halva is a delicious and indulgent dessert that is easy to make at home. With its rich flavors and comforting warmth, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional Indian sweet dish on special occasions or whenever you crave something sweet and satisfying.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was known for her incredible cooking skills, had passed down many recipes to my mother and me. But this one was special. This one was for Suji Halva.

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I was in the kitchen with my grandmother, watching her move around with such grace and confidence. She was a master in the kitchen, and I admired her greatly. As she measured out the ingredients for the Suji Halva, I asked her where she had learned to make it.

She smiled and told me that she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. I was fascinated by the idea of a recipe being handed down through so many years, each generation adding their own touch to it.

As my grandmother mixed the ghee, sugar, and semolina together in the pan, the sweet aroma filled the kitchen. I watched in awe as she stirred the mixture, her hands moving with such precision and skill. She told me that the key to making a delicious Suji Halva was to cook it slowly and patiently, allowing the flavors to meld together perfectly.

After the Suji Halva was cooked to perfection, my grandmother scooped it into bowls and garnished it with almonds and raisins. She handed me a spoonful to try, and as soon as I took a bite, I knew that this was a recipe I would cherish forever.

Over the years, I have made Suji Halva countless times, each time thinking back to that day in my grandmother's kitchen. I have added my own twist to the recipe, just as she did before me. Sometimes I add a pinch of cardamom for extra flavor, or a splash of rose water for a floral touch.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, always passing down the tradition of making Suji Halva from scratch. It brings me great joy to see others enjoy this sweet treat, just as I have for so many years.

As I sit here now, with a steaming bowl of Suji Halva in front of me, I can't help but feel grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my heritage and my loved ones, and this recipe holds a special place in my heart.

So as I take another bite of this delicious dessert, I say a silent thank you to my grandmother and all the generations of women who came before her, for sharing their love of cooking and their cherished recipes with me. May the tradition of making Suji Halva live on for many more years to come.