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Quick Pakistani Eid sweets at home, featuring a traditional semolina suji halwa garnished with silver leaf and nuts.

Semolina Halwa (Suji Halwa)

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: Pakistani / Indian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup 160g fine semolina (sooji/rava)
  • ½ cup 115g ghee or unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  • cups 590ml water or whole milk
  • 4 –5 green cardamom pods lightly crushed
  • Pinch of saffron strands optional, soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
  • ¼ cup 30g mixed nuts (slivered almonds, cashews, raisins)

Method
 

  1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-low heat.
  2. Add mixed nuts and fry until golden (2–3 minutes). Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add semolina. Roast slowly, stirring continuously for 8–10 minutes until it turns fragrant and light golden.
  4. Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, combine water/milk, sugar, crushed cardamom, and saffron. Bring to a gentle boil until sugar dissolves.
  5. Reduce heat under semolina to low. Slowly pour the hot liquid into the roasted semolina while stirring vigorously to avoid lumps.
  6. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan.
  7. Fold in the fried nuts. Cover and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm.