Suji ka Halva is more than just a dessert – it is a cultural icon in India, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. This delicious and traditional dessert is made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and water, and it is usually flavored with cardamom, saffron, and various nuts like almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
The taste of suji ka Halva is rich, creamy, and nutty, with a perfect blend of sweetness and spices. The roasted suji gives the dish a slightly grainy texture, which is complemented by the soft and chewy texture of the nuts and raisins. The fragrance of the ghee and cardamom adds a beautiful depth to the dish and leaves a heavenly aroma in your kitchen.The aroma of warm ghee filling your kitchen as it slowly melts in a pan feels no less than heaven. The fragrance of cardamom wafting through the air as you roast golden brown suji to perfection.
Here’s a recipe for this popular Indian dessert:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup semolina (suji)
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
- Raisins for garnish
Instructions:
- Heat the ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add the semolina and stir-fry for 6-7 minutes, or until the semolina is golden brown and fragrant.
- In a separate pot, heat the water and milk on medium heat. Bring it to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the roasted semolina to the pot, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add the sugar and cardamom powder and stir well. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture has thickened.
- Add the chopped nuts and stir well.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the nuts are lightly roasted and the Halva reaches your desired consistency.
- Garnish with raisins and serve hot.
In Indian culture, suji ka Halva is often served during festivals, religious ceremonies, and special occasions like weddings and birthdays. It is a symbol of hospitality, warmth, and generosity. It is also believed to have healing properties and is often served to people who are recovering from illness or childbirth as semolina, the main ingredient in Suji ka Halva, is a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also has a low glycemic index, which means it is less likely to cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
However, the addition of sugar and ghee can significantly increase the calorie and fat content of this dessert. Ghee, in particular, is high in saturated fats, which can raise cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease. To make Suji ka Halva healthier, it is recommended to use less sugar and ghee and substitute it with healthier options like honey or jaggery. Additionally, adding more nuts and dried fruits to the dish can increase its nutritional value and add a natural sweetness.
But don’t worry, consume this in moderation and you will still be just fine so don’t think too much and just indulge in this delight!