Sooji Halwa, the Slow Way

• 5 minPrep
• 20 minCook
• 4Serves

Sooji halwa is the sweet of small celebrations: a good result, a guest at the door, a puja at home. It is quick, but the roasting should not be rushed.

Ingredients

• Half a cup of sooji (semolina)
• A third of a cup of ghee
• Half a cup of sugar
• One and a half cups of water
• A pinch of cardamom powder
• Cashews and raisins

Method

1. Heat the water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves. Keep it hot.
2. Heat the ghee in a heavy pan, fry the cashews until golden and lift them out.
3. Roast the sooji in the same ghee on a low flame until it is golden and fragrant.
4. Pour in the hot syrup carefully, stirring as you go.
5. Cook until the halwa leaves the sides of the pan, then stir in the cardamom, cashews and raisins.

Tip: The colour of the roasted sooji is the colour of your halwa. Stop when it is golden, not brown.