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+ servings
Soji in a pot on a wooden board

Soji Recipe

Safira
Soji Recipe - Soji is a rich comforting, creamy starter or dessert that is served in most indian households. This is a simple recipe made withSemolina, Ghee, Sugar and Milk.
5 from 4 votes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Baking/Dessert, Breakfast, Breakfast/Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 293 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 175 g Fine Semolina
  • 115 g Ghee
  • Small Cinnamon Stick
  • 2 - 3 tsp Ground Cardamom
  • 8 Saffron Strands Lightly crushed
  • Pinch Fennel Seeds
  • 200 g Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Egg
  • 250 ml Water Boiled
  • 125 ml Milk
  • 125 ml Double Cream

Optional Toppings

  • Flaked Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios
  • Raisins cooked in Ghee
  • Desiccated Coconut

Instructions
 

  • Add Ghee, Soji, Cinnamon, Cardamom to a pot over low heat and toast till golden and fragrant. It will take around 10 minutes and there will be a noticeable change in the colour of the Soji. 
  • Warm Sugar, Milk and Cream in a pan. Set aside.
  • Add Fennel and Egg to the Soji and whisk thoroughly to combine.
  • Add the warm milk mixture and stir into the pan slowly as it will splutter a lot. 
  • Keep stirring and the Soji will begin to absorb the liquid and thicken up. Gradually it will begin to leave the sides of the pan.
  • Turn heat down and simmer covered on low for 5 - 10 minutes.
  • Scatter over flaked almonds, pistachios and desiccated coconut. 

Notes

Expert Tips 

Semolina

Use fine Semolina or extra fine Semolina for best results.

Ratio

The ratio is up to your personal preference. A popular recipe is to use the same amount of butter/ghee to sugar and doubling the milk/water/cream. 

Ghee 

It is better to use Ghee because it adds a nutty flavour but butter works well too.

Roasting the Semolina 

Roasting the semolina in ghee/butter over low heat gives a delicious flavour. Don't skip this step!

Add liquid slowly

This is to avoid it aggressively bubbling once the liquid goes into the pot. It is best to add it in stages.

Stir continuously

To avoid forming lumps it is best to stir the semolina continuously with a wooden spoon.

Variations for Soji Recipe

Ghee

You can adjust the quantity of Ghee and reduce it by 35 - 40g if you prefer.

Sugar

You can adjust the sugar quantity by half but it is meant to be sweet so I would suggest no less then that.

Water 

You can use just water for a healthier option in place of the Milk and Cream.

Liquid  

You can add less liquid if you prefer.
The more milk you add, the longer it will take to absorb into the semolina and if you add too much, it will have a thick soup like texture which I don't mind because it ends up velvety but some people prefer it to be much thicker and coarse. 

Sugar 

You can use sugar or you can use Condensed or Evaporated Milk. However you will need to adjust the quantity of sugar accordingly.

Food Colouring 

You can add some Yellow or Orange food colouring to make it more vibrant.

Saffron

I love Saffron in Soji but you can skip it.

Flavourings 

You can add any Nuts that you like. The ones that are most often used are Cashews, Almonds, Pistachios.
You an also add dried fruits like Raisins at the beginning with the Ghee.
You can add spices such as Cardamom but you could add other ground Spices such as Cinnamon.

HOW TO SERVE

Soji is served warm as a starter, dessert or for breakfast.

Can it be made ahead?

Soji can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container or pot with lid. Reheat in the microwave or in a pot over low heat until warmed through.

Storage Instructions

Soji keeps well in in the fridge in an airtight container for 4 days. To reheat, simply heat in in the microwave. 

Can it be frozen?

Soji keeps well in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.

How to reheat

Defrost at room temperature/in the fridge overnight or in the mcroeave before reheating. You may need to add a couple of tablespoons of hot milk or water when reheating.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 45mgPotassium: 187mgFiber: 1gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 162IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 122mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Indian soji, Soji, Soji Halwa, Soji recipe
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