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### Delicious Sooji Halwa with Milk Recipe for a Perfect Indian DessertIf you are craving a delightful Indian dessert that combines the richness of milk wit……
### Delicious Sooji Halwa with Milk Recipe for a Perfect Indian Dessert
If you are craving a delightful Indian dessert that combines the richness of milk with the texture of semolina, then this sooji halwa with milk recipe is exactly what you need. This traditional Indian sweet dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this delicious treat.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sooji (semolina)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 cups of milk
- 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder
- A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and raisins)
- A pinch of saffron (optional)
- 1 cup of water
#### Instructions:
1. **Roasting the Sooji:**
- Begin by heating a heavy-bottomed pan on medium flame. Add the ghee and let it melt completely.
- Once the ghee is hot, add the sooji (semolina) to the pan. Stir continuously to ensure that the sooji is evenly roasted and does not burn.
- Roast the sooji until it turns golden brown and you get a nutty aroma. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
2. **Preparing the Milk Mixture:**
- In a separate saucepan, bring the milk and water to a boil. If you are using saffron, add it to the milk mixture at this stage to infuse its flavor and color.
- Once the milk mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer.
3. **Combining Sooji and Milk:**
- Gradually add the hot milk mixture to the roasted sooji, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble up.
- Keep stirring until the sooji absorbs all the liquid and starts to thicken. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. **Adding Sugar and Flavorings:**
- Once the sooji has absorbed the milk, add the sugar and mix well. The halwa will become slightly runny again as the sugar melts.
- Continue to cook the halwa on a low flame until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add the cardamom powder and mix well to incorporate the flavor evenly.
5. **Garnishing:**
- In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of ghee and roast the chopped nuts and raisins until they are golden brown.
- Add the roasted nuts and raisins to the halwa and mix well.
- Serve the sooji halwa with milk hot, garnished with a few extra nuts on top.
#### Tips for the Perfect Sooji Halwa:
- **Consistency:** The key to a perfect sooji halwa with milk recipe is getting the right consistency. The halwa should be neither too dry nor too runny. It should have a smooth, pudding-like texture.
- **Roasting Sooji:** Make sure to roast the sooji thoroughly. Under-roasted sooji can give a raw taste to the halwa.
- **Ghee:** Do not skimp on the ghee. It not only enhances the flavor but also gives the halwa a rich, glossy finish.
- **Sugar:** Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste. You can also use jaggery as a healthier alternative.
#### Serving Suggestions:
- **Festivals and Celebrations:** Sooji halwa is a popular choice during Indian festivals and celebrations. It is often prepared as an offering to deities during religious ceremonies.
- **Breakfast or Snack:** This halwa can also be enjoyed as a breakfast dish or an evening snack. Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a comforting treat.
- **Dessert:** Serve this halwa as a dessert after a traditional Indian meal. It pairs well with other Indian sweets like gulab jamun or jalebi.
In conclusion, this sooji halwa with milk recipe is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite among people of all ages. So, the next time you are in the mood for something sweet, give this recipe a try and indulge in the delightful taste of traditional Indian cuisine.