#32 : Sooji Halwa ~ Kesari ~ Semolina Pudding

Happy times are synonymous to this Halwa. It is easy to make and uses ingredients available in a standard Indian pantry. Let it be a festive celebration or an urgent quick sweet fix this halwa is a popular choice. It is a not so favorite dessert for me but Kalyan adores it :-) I usually end up making it whenever he requests for it and it surely makes him happy. He has fond memories of scooping out bowls of this halwa as a child which he called "sweet upma" 

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Semolina
• 3 Tbs Ghee 
• 3 Cups Water
• 3/4-1 Cup Sugar
• 3 Cardamom pods ( crushed )
• 4 Tbs chopped Cashews and Raisins
• 4-5 Strands of Saffron
• A pinch Orange food color ( Optional )

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a wide pan, add chopped cashews. Once they turn golden add the raisins and fry until they plump up. Remove them from ghee and set aside
2. Add semolina to the remaining ghee and fry in medium-low heat for about 10-12 mins. The Kitchen will fill up with a beautiful aroma and the semolina will turn lightly golden. Turn off the flame/heat and let it cool down 
3. In an other wide pan bring water to a boil. Add sugar, saffron,cardamom and orange color if using
4. To the boiling water add the roasted semolina. Add cashews and raisins and cook until all the water is absorbed and the ghee begins to oozes out slightly. Turn the flame/heat to low and cover and cook for 5 mins
5. Serve warm scooped into a bowl or can be put into a mold and cut into squares