Go Back
–+ servings
Sooji Ka Halwa - Sweet Semolina Pudding @ fatimacooks.net

Sooji Ka Halwa - Sweet Semolina Pudding

This Pakistani dessert is far quicker to cook than other desserts - at only 20 minutes of cook time, this may clock in as one of the quickest Desi desserts out there!
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 5
5 from 1 vote
Print

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup (65 g) ghee
  • 8 cashews
  • 5 cardamom seeds
  • 1 cup (170 g) semolina
  • 2 cups (½ l) water
  • ¾ cup (160 g) sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon rosewater optional
  • 1 pinch saffron optional

Instructions

  • In a pestle and mortar, beat the cardamom seeds till the black seeds from inside come out. Discard the shells. If you don't have a pestle and mortar, put the cardamom seeds in a bag and beat with a rolling pin till the black seeds come out.
  • In a pan, heat the ghee and add the cashews and cardamom seed remnants. Fry till golden brown, about 3 minutes.
  • To the ghee, add the semolina. Roast the semolina on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring very often and keeping close by at all times to ensure the semolina doesn't brown too much or burn.
  • As the semolina is roasting, in a separate pan add the water, sugar, rosewater and saffron, Heat on medium heat and dissolve the sugar. Before it comes to a boil, turn the heat off and cover.
  • Once the semolina has roasted, add the water. It will sizzle and bubble and steam will rise - but keep stirring! This is because we need to ensure no lumps are formed.
  • Keep stirring the halwa constantly until it begins to start pulling away from the edges.
  • Sooji Ka Halwa is ready! Garnish with cashews and serve hot!

Notes

If you don't want to use cardamom seeds, you can use cardamom powder or essence.
Optional food colouring can be added - orange or yellow is traditionally used. Add it to the water alongside the sugar, saffron and rose water.

📩 Want me to email this recipe to you?

Enter your email & I'll send it right over. 
Plus, you'll get bonus Pakistani food-goodness from Fatima Cooks, like new recipe alerts, exclusive email-only recipes + more!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from me. Your details are secure. Opt-out any time.

Did you make this recipe?I'd love to hear about it! Please leave a rating and comment on the blog, or share a photo on Instagram!