Suji Halwa

Suji Halwa Recipe from Pakistan with Semolina and Almonds

Region / culture: Pakistan | Servings: 4

Introduction

Suji Halwa is a popular Indian dessert made from semolina, sugar, ghee, and flavored with cardamom, almonds, and raisins. It is a sweet and comforting dish that is often served during festivals and special occasions.

History

Suji Halwa has been a traditional Indian dessert for centuries, with its origins dating back to ancient times. It is a staple dish in Indian households and is often made to celebrate festivals, weddings, and other special occasions.

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 leaves the side of the pan.
Add the syrup to the suji mixture and stir briskly until it is absorbed.
Mix in 1 tsp of crushed cardamom seeds, 0.25 cup of almonds, and 0.25 cup of raisins.
Serve hot.

Variations

Add a pinch of saffron for a rich golden color and flavor.
Substitute sugar with jaggery for a healthier alternative.
Include grated coconut or mashed bananas for added texture and sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the semolina in ghee until it turns light golden brown to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- Stir the semolina continuously while roasting to prevent it from burning.

- Add the sugar syrup slowly to the roasted semolina to avoid lumps in the halwa.

- Garnish the halwa with extra almonds and raisins for a decorative touch.

Serving Suggestions

Suji Halwa can be served hot as a dessert or snack. It pairs well with a cup of chai or as a sweet ending to a traditional Indian meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roast the semolina on low heat to prevent burning.

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

- Garnish with almonds and raisins for a decorative touch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter or vegetable oil as a substitute for ghee.

- Replace almonds with cashews or pistachios for a different flavor profile.

- Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Suji Halwa 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 Halwa in individual bowls garnished with extra almonds and raisins for an elegant presentation. Dust with a sprinkle of powdered cardamom for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Suji Halwa pairs well with a cup of hot chai or masala tea. It can also be enjoyed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Suji Halwa in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warm before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Suji Halwa contains approximately 300 calories, making it a calorie-dense dessert. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Suji Halwa is a high-carbohydrate dessert due to the presence of semolina and sugar. Carbohydrates provide energy to the body and are essential for overall health.

Fats

Ghee is the main source of fat in Suji Halwa. While ghee is high in saturated fats, it also contains healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health when consumed in moderation.

Proteins

Almonds and raisins are good sources of protein in Suji Halwa. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Almonds are rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. Raisins are a good source of iron, which is important for red blood cell production.

Alergens

Suji Halwa contains nuts (almonds) and ghee, which may be allergens for some individuals. It is important to be mindful of any food allergies when preparing or consuming this dish.

Summary

Suji Halwa is a delicious dessert that provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Enjoy it as an occasional treat as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Suji Halwa is a classic Indian dessert that is easy to make and full of flavor. With the right ingredients and cooking techniques, you can create a delicious and comforting dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy this sweet treat as a special indulgence or as a festive dessert for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy one. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in India. My grandmother, who was a master in the kitchen, taught me how to make Suji Halwa one lazy afternoon.

I remember the intoxicating aroma of ghee and roasted semolina filling the air as my grandmother patiently guided me through each step of the recipe. She told me that Suji Halwa was a traditional Indian dessert made with semolina, sugar, ghee, and aromatic spices like cardamom and saffron. It was a sweet treat that was often served during special occasions and celebrations.

As I watched her expertly roast the semolina to a golden brown color, I listened intently to her stories about how she learned the recipe from her own mother, who learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each one adding their own twist and secret ingredient to make it truly their own.

My grandmother's version of Suji Halwa was simple yet flavorful. She added a generous amount of ghee to the semolina, allowing it to cook slowly and absorb all the rich flavors. Then she added sugar and water, stirring continuously until the mixture thickened and the sugar dissolved completely. Finally, she sprinkled in crushed cardamom pods and a pinch of saffron, giving the halwa a fragrant and exotic flavor.

As I took my first bite of the warm and velvety Suji Halwa, I was transported back to my childhood, surrounded by the love and warmth of my grandmother's kitchen. It was a magical moment, one that I would cherish forever.

Over the years, I have made Suji Halwa countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different spices and sweeteners, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors. But no matter how many times I make it, the taste of my grandmother's Suji Halwa always remains the same - comforting, delicious, and filled with memories of a simpler time.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing Suji Halwa for my family, I can't help but smile as I remember that happy afternoon with my grandmother. It was a moment that shaped my love for cooking and inspired me to continue learning and experimenting with new recipes.

And as I serve the warm and fragrant Suji Halwa to my loved ones, I know that I am passing down a tradition that has been cherished for generations. The recipe may have originated from my grandmother, but now it is a part of me, a reminder of the love and joy that food can bring to our lives.

So here's to Suji Halwa - a simple yet magical dessert that will always hold a special place in my heart. And as I take a bite of the sweet and fragrant halwa, I am grateful for the memories and traditions that have been passed down to me, making me the cook that I am today.