Ingredients
Halwa Base
- 2 tbsp butter or ghee (30g)
- 2 tbsp sooji/semolina (30g)
- 3-4 whole cloves
Sweetening & Flavoring
- 4-5 tbsp sugar (start with 4 tbsp; 1 tbsp = 15g)
- Pinch of salt or sea salt
- 1/4 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
Liquid
- 3/4 - 1 cup very warm or hot water
Optional
- Food coloring (optional)
- Chopped almonds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add the butter and whole cloves into your pan over medium-low heat, allowing the butter to melt slowly and infuse with the cloves' aroma.
- Roast the sooji: Stir in the sooji and roast it for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. The sooji will darken slightly and emit a nutty aroma. Take care to keep the heat low so the butter does not brown before the sooji is fully roasted internally.
- Add sugar and salt: Mix in the sugar starting with 4 tablespoons and a pinch of salt. Dry roast this mixture for 2-3 minutes until the sugar starts to liquefy and forms a lightly caramelized flavor. You will see the sugar melting slightly, which is ideal.
- Incorporate water: Gradually whisk in 3/4 cup of very warm or hot water (you may use up to 1 cup for a looser halwa). The mixture will splutter initially, but continue whisking until it is smooth.
- Flavor and simmer: Add the cardamom powder and let the halwa simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 7-8 minutes or until the halwa begins to glisten and achieves your preferred texture. Adjust water if you want it thinner.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped almonds on top or serve plain. Enjoy your warm, comforting sooji ka halwa!
Notes
- Use medium-low heat to prevent the butter from browning before the sooji is roasted properly.
- The cloves add a subtle aromatic essence; you may remove them before serving if desired.
- Adjust sugar quantity to your taste; start with the lesser amount and add more as preferred.
- Adding warm or hot water helps in better incorporation and reduces splattering.
- Food coloring is optional and purely for visual enhancement.
- Garnishing with nuts adds texture and variation in flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian