Strawberry And Sooji Halwa: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Indian Dessert
Strawberry And Sooji Halwa is an irresistible variation of the traditional Indian semolina halwa, enhanced by the sweet, fruity flavor of strawberries. This rich and velvety dessert is a perfect fusion of the comfort of traditional sooji halwa and the fresh, tangy sweetness of strawberries, creating a dessert experience that is both nostalgic and modern. With minimal effort required and a few simple ingredients, you can make this dish for special occasions, family gatherings, or as a treat to satisfy your sweet cravings. For an extra indulgence, you can use milk instead of water to add a royal, creamy texture to the halwa. Let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make this delightful dessert.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1/4 cup |
| Strawberry Compote | 4 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Hot Water | 1 cup |
| Mixed Nuts (Almonds & Cashews), sliced | 1 tablespoon, for garnishing |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~25g |
| Protein | ~3g |
| Fat | ~6g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~12g |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients and portion size.
Preparation Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 5 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
Instructions
1. Roasting the Sooji:
- Heat 1-1/2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed kadai or pan.
- Once the ghee has melted, add the semolina (sooji) to the pan.
- Stir continuously to ensure that the sooji is evenly coated in ghee and doesn’t burn.
- Roast the semolina for about 5 minutes or until it begins to release a pleasant aroma and turns a light golden brown.
2. Adding Water (or Milk) and Cooking the Halwa:
- Gradually pour in 1 cup of hot water (or milk for a richer version) while continuously stirring to avoid lumps.
- Continue stirring until the semolina absorbs the liquid and the mixture thickens.
- Add 1/4 cup of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder (elaichi), and stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Simmering and Incorporating Strawberry Compote:
- Once the sugar is well mixed, cover the kadai and let the halwa simmer for about 2 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.
4. Final Touch:
- After 2 minutes, add 4 tablespoons of strawberry compote to the halwa and stir it in.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the strawberry flavor to infuse into the halwa and everything to blend together perfectly.
5. Garnishing and Serving:
- Transfer the prepared Strawberry And Sooji Halwa to a serving bowl.
- Garnish with sliced almonds and cashews for a crunchy contrast.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful dessert.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry And Sooji Halwa is perfect on its own as a comforting dessert, but it can also be paired with a variety of dishes to create a memorable meal. For an even more extravagant meal, serve it alongside a rich, flavorful Gujarati Badshahi Pulao—a royal preparation of rice, vegetables, nuts, and spices. This combination brings together both sweet and savory flavors, making for a perfect party dessert or special occasion treat.
Conclusion
Strawberry And Sooji Halwa is a delightful twist on the classic semolina halwa, offering a refreshing burst of fruitiness that’s perfect for all ages. With its minimal preparation time and rich, satisfying flavor, this dish is ideal for serving at parties, family gatherings, or as an everyday indulgence. The combination of roasted sooji, cardamom, ghee, and sweet strawberries is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Give this easy and delicious recipe a try, and add a touch of sweetness to your next celebration!
