Quick, Buttery Semolina Pudding with Sugar and Almonds

Name: Quick, Buttery Semolina Pudding with Sugar and Almonds (Sooji Halwa)
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: ½ cup whole milk; ¾ cup sugar; ½ teaspoon saffron strands; ½ cup ghee plus 1 tablespoon, for roasting; 1 teaspoon cardamom powder; 1 cup fine semolina (sooji/rava); 1 cup fine semolina (sooji/rava); 1 cup fine semolina (sooji/rava); 10 cashews, halved; 2 tablespoons golden raisins

Sooji Halwa

Preparation info

Yield:
6 to 8
servings

Difficulty
Easy

Appears in

Everyday Indian from Archana’s Kitchen

By Archana Doshi

Published 2026

About

A quick and comforting Indian sweet, Sooji Halwa is made with roasted, fine semolina (sooji), ghee, sugar, and nuts. It is often prepared during festivals, poojas, or simply as a quick dessert to satisfy a sweet craving. I love how it comes together in just 15 minutes, yet tastes so indulgent!

Ingredients

½ cup whole milk
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon

Asia
India
Dessert
Vegetarian
Gluten-free

Method

Add the milk, sugar, saffron, cardamom, and 2 cups of water to a saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil and simmer, stirring regularly, until the sugar melts. Set aside.

In a wide, heavy-bottomed pan, heat ½ cup of ghee over medium heat; add the semolina (rava/sooji) and roast until the semolina turns a light golden-brown color, about 3 to minutes. Do not over-brown.