Sooji ka halwa is a classic everyday delicious Indian sweet made with fine semolina, sugar, ghee, and nuts and flavored with cardamom powder. It has many different names. In Maharashtra, it’s called Sheera. In many South Indian states, it’s called Rava Kesar or Kesari. This easy melt-in-the-mouth halwa recipe comes together in about 15 minutes. Here’s an easy vegan version of sooji ka halwa.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup vegan butter or oil
- 1 cup sooji (semolina)
- 1 tbsp vegan butter or oil
- 5 tbsp cashews
- 8 to 10 tbsp sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 3/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 8 strands of saffron
- 2 inches Cinnamon
- ¼ cup vegan butter or oil
- 2 ½ cups water/ coconut milk
Directions:
Take a deep fry pan and turn the heat on. Once hot, add vegan butter or oil. Saute Sooji/ Semolina on low flame for 15-20 mins till it’s golden brown.
Turn off the heat and keep the sauteed sooji aside.
In another deep pan, take 1 tbsp of oil or vegan butter. Saute nuts till they turn golden brown.
In another pan, take ¼ cup of vegan butter or oil, and once it’s hot, add cinnamon sticks and saute for 1-2 mins. Then add water, saffron, and salt.
Once the water starts boiling, add the semolina and stir it thoroughly. Cover it with a lid and cook for 20 mins on low flame.
Once the water is reduced, add sugar and crushed cardamom and stir it well. Cover it with a lid and cook for another 2-3 mins.
Add fried nuts while serving.
– Recipe by Sana Shaikh (Instagram: The Rainbow Bite)
