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.
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.