Sooji ka Halwa

                       Sooji also known as Rava and Semolina in English is widely used to make breakfast dish called Upma but, another famous dish that can be made using it is a dessert called the Sooji ka meetha or Sooji ka halwa.

                      Sooji or semolina is high in protein, rich in B vitamins like folate and thiamine and also has large amounts of Selenium, that works as an anti-oxidant and helps in strengthening the immune system.

                       Sooji ka halwa is quick to prepare and very easy to make. The most crucial step in the recipe is the browning or roasting the sooji which involves continuous stirring. Dry fruits are added to give an additional taste, cashews, almonds and raisins are the ones that are generally used although I have skipped adding raisins for personal taste. Here, comes the detailed recipe :-

Ingredients:

1. Sooji/Rava/Semolina - 1 cup
2. Water - 1 cup
3. Sugar - 3/4th cup
4. Cashews - few
5. Almonds - few
6. Ghee - 1 tsp (clarified butter)

Method:

• Soak almonds and cashews in water for 20 to 30 mins or boil them if you are running short of time. Sliver almonds and cashews very finely.
• Heat ghee in a pan. (You can alternatively use oil)
• Add the dry fruits,  fry till light brown in colour and remove to a plate.
• To the same pan with the remaining ghee add sooji.
• Stir continuously and roast the sooji till it starts changing colour and you smell a nice aroma. (Darkening the sooji at this step gives a darker shade to the halwa).
• Add water. The sooji begins to thicken. 
• Add sugar. First add only half a cup of sugar and increase the amount as per your liking. Mix well.
• Now add the fried dry fruits preserving some for garnishing. Mix well to combine. Turn off the heat.
• Garnish and serve warm.

                       

              You may also like to try Gajar ka Halwa, Bread kaja, Bread Rasmalai, Oats halwa and Aloo ka meetha from My Mom's Kitchen.

Hope you give it a try. Will love to listen from you.

 Happy Cooking!!!