Sooji Halva Recipes

SOOJI HALVA

Steps:

• Put the ghee in a medium nonstick frying pan and set over medium-low heat. When hot, add the almonds and pistachios, and stir just until the almonds turn golden. Using a slotted spoon, quickly transfer the nuts to a plate.
• Put the sooji into the ghee remaining in the pan and fry over low heat for 6-7 minutes, stirring now and then, until it is golden. Add the sugar and mix well. Add 1½ cups water, the ground cardamom, and the reserved nuts, and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Stir and cook over very low heat for 2-3 minutes, then turn off the heat and stir for another minute. Serve hot.
• If you prefer, you could put the halva into a 7x7-inch cake pan or similarly shaped dish. Press down lightly and flatten the surface, then cut into 1½-inch squares. When it has cooled to room temperature, place plastic wrap directly on the surface of the cake to stop a skin forming. Serve immediately or later, as you would any cake.

PUNJABI SEMOLINA HALWA (SUJI HALWA)

Steps:

• Split the cardamom pods with a sharp knife and remove the seeds. Grind the seeds to a powder with 1 tsp of the sugar using a pestle and mortar. Keep the empty pods for the syrup.
• Heat the remaining sugar in a pan over a medium heat with 600ml water until dissolved. Add the empty cardamom pods and simmer, uncovered, for 5 mins. Turn off the heat, cover the pan and set aside.
• Heat the ghee in a wok or karahi over a medium heat, then add the semolina or flour. Reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring all the time, until it releases a toasted aroma and turns a biscuity golden colour, about 10 mins.
• Take the pan off the heat. Discard the empty cardamom pods from the warm syrup and pour it over the semolina in a thin, steady stream, stirring all the time. Take care - it will sputter. Return the pan to a medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the semolina thickens. It should have the consistency of creamy mashed potato. Stir in the ground cardamom, drained raisins and most of the sliced almonds. Serve piping hot with the remaining almonds scattered over.