How To Make Sohan Halwa

Sohan Halwa is a delicious and popular sweet treat from the Indian subcontinent. It is made with simple ingredients like semolina, ghee, sugar, and nuts. Here’s a basic recipe to make Sohan Halwa:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Assorted nuts (such as almonds, pistachios, and cashews), chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat and add the ghee to it. Let the ghee melt.
2. Add the semolina (sooji) to the pan and roast it in the ghee until it turns golden brown and aromatic. Stir constantly to avoid burning. This step will take around 10-12 minutes.
3. In a separate saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely. Let it come to a boil.
4. Once the sugar syrup starts boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Keep the syrup warm on low heat.
5. Add the warm milk to the roasted semolina in the pan and mix well. Be careful as it may splutter.
6. Now, add the sugar syrup to the semolina mixture gradually, stirring continuously. Make sure to pour the syrup slowly to avoid lumps.
7. Add the cardamom powder and saffron strands (if using). Mix everything well.
8. Continue cooking the mixture on low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and starts leaving the sides of the pan. This process can take around 20-25 minutes.
9. Once the mixture reaches a halwa-like consistency and starts coming together, remove it from the heat.
10. Grease a tray or plate with ghee and transfer the halwa mixture to it. Spread it evenly and smoothen the top using a spatula.
11. Garnish the halwa with the chopped nuts, pressing them gently into the surface.
12. Allow the halwa to cool completely at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it for a couple of hours to set it faster.
13. Once the halwa has cooled and set, cut it into desired shapes, such as squares or diamonds.

Your delicious Sohan Halwa is ready to be enjoyed! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator for longer shelf life.