Punjabi semolina halwa (suji halwa)

Serve this Indian dessert at special occasions such as Diwali. With almonds, cardamom and raisins, it has a rich, buttery flavour and toasty semolina aroma

Prep:20 mins
Cook:25 mins

Serves 6
Easy

Nutrition per serving

kcal 414
fat 23g
saturates 12g
carbs 48g
sugars 0g
fibre 1g
protein 4g
salt 0.01g

Ingredients

6 green cardamom pods
175g golden caster sugar
125g ghee
125g semolina, chapati flour or wholewheat flour
25g raisins, soaked in hot water
25g almonds, sliced with their skin on

Method

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.