Indulge in the warm, rich flavors of the Best Sweet Halwa, a classic Indian dessert that’s perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in. Made with creamy semolina (sooji), aromatic ghee, and infused with the enchanting essence of cardamom and saffron, this halwa offers both comfort and luxury in every bite. Topped with golden-fried cashews, almonds, and plump raisins, it creates a delightful blend of textures—nutty, chewy, and silky smooth. With just 10 minutes of prep time and straightforward directions, this recipe is ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs who crave a quick yet indulgent treat. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this halwa will be the star of any dessert table, leaving your guests asking for more.
Start by grinding the cardamom pods into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
Soak saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk and set aside.
Chop the cashew nuts and almonds and set them aside separately from the raisins.
Heat the ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
Once the ghee is hot, add chopped cashew nuts, almonds, and raisins. Fry them until the nuts turn golden brown and the raisins puff up. Remove them from the ghee and set aside.
In the same pan, add the semolina and roast it on a medium-low flame until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
In a separate pot, bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of milk to a boil.
Gradually add the hot water and milk mixture to the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
Once fully incorporated, add sugar and mix well until it completely dissolves.
Add the cardamom powder and saffron-infused milk to the mixture. Stir well.
Cook the mixture on a low flame until it thickens and the ghee starts to separate from the sides of the pan.
Add the fried cashew nuts, almonds, and raisins to the halwa and stir to evenly distribute.
Serve hot, garnished with additional nuts if desired for an extra touch of elegance.
Calories |
2735 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 132.8 g | 170% | |
| Saturated Fat | 77.2 g | 386% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 342 mg | 114% | |
| Sodium | 217 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 335.7 g | 122% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.4 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 182.3 g | ||
| Protein | 37.8 g | 76% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 429 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 1063 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.