Best Soji Halwa - Sheera Recipe
Best Soji Halwa - Sheera Recipe - Soji Halwa or Semolina Pudding s a popular Indian breakfast, starter or dessert . This indulgent recipe is an easy recipe that can be made in 20 minutes max. What's more it is made with just a few ingredients. Soji is often served on special occasions such as on Eid or weddings. In this recipe, Semolina (milled Durum Wheat) is roasted till it is fragrant before being slow cooked in a sugar syrup. It is often garnished with rose petals, nuts and dry fruits.
Ingredients
- 150 g Sugar Adjust according to your taste
- 25 ml Water
- 150 ml Milk
- Good pinch Saffron Threads
- 125 g Ghee or Unsalted Butter
- ¼ teaspoon Cardamom Powder
- 170 g Semolina Fine
- 1 tablespoon Mixed Crushed Nuts Optional
Instructions
- Step 1 - Make the Sugar SyrupMake a sugar syrup by adding Sugar, Water and Milk to a pot. Simmer on medium high heat for a few minutes until the Sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add Saffron. Set aside.
- Step 2 - Roast the SemolinaHeat Ghee or Unsalted Butter in a pot over medium heat until melted. Add Cardamom and cook for a minute till fragrant.Add Semolina. Saute until a nutty fragrance emanates and the Soji turns light golden brown. This takes about 10 - 15 minutes over medium low heat.
- Step 3 - Simmer the Soji in SyrupPour in the Sugar Syrup. It will splutter and then the Semolina will being to absorb into the mixture. Cook for 5 minutes stirring continuously, over medium low heat.The butter will begin to separate at the edge and the Soji will be soft and fluffy. The Halwa will thicken as it cools so there is no need to cook further.
- Step 4 - Garnish and ServeGarnish with crsuehd Nuts.Serve warm. If you have cooked it in advance, store covered in the fridge. It is best to do this in an airtight container because it does get dry otherwise.
Notes
Tips to make the best Soji Halwa
Roast the Soji Cooking Soji over low heat takes away that raw floury flavour as well as making it more fragrant and nutty. This does take some time but you will get there! Stir constantly For smooth, moist and lump free Soji, stir, stir and stir some more. Adjust sweetness The quantity of sugar really does depend on your taste. There is a lot of Sugar here because Soji is meant to be sweet. Don't adjust Ghee Ghee adds alot of flavour to Soji so don't be tempted to cut out too much if you do decide to reduce the quantity. Roast Cardamom in Ghee This brings out its flavour so you get a really delicious Soji. Type of Semolina I prefer to use fine Semolina for a fluffy and soft Soji Halva. Try both and see what you prefer.Variations
There are many ways in which you can change this recipe up. Here are some ideas: Use different Nuts Add flaked Almonds, Pistachios , Cashews or any Nuts that you like as a garnish. Add dry Fruits Such as Raisins or Sultanas. Add Milk or Cream For a creamier Halwa, stir ½ cup Milk into the simmered Sugar Syrup or add it to the Soji towards the end of cooking. Add an Egg I know this sounds unusual but it actually makes the Soji super creamy. After the Water has absorbed, you whisk in a Egg and this thickens the Soji and emulsifies the Butter, Water and Sugar meaning you get a dreamy creamy Soji. Add Dessicated Coconut Top with lightly toasted desiccated coconut. Add Rose Water Add a few drops of Rose Water. Add Food colour This is added for aesthetic reasons and is optional. I don't add it but you can if you like.How to serve
Sooji Halwa is served hot or warm, but it can be enjoyed at room temperature. Serve it for Breakfast/Brunch or for Dessert.Storage
Fridge - Soji keps well in in the fridge when stored in an airtight container for 4 days. Reheat in the microwave.Freezer - Soji can be frozen in a good airtight container for 1 month. Leave out for a couple of hours and then reheat on the stove with 2 tablespoon of boiled Water.
Nutrition
Calories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 10mgPotassium: 131mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
