Mediterranean Diet Sooji Halwa
Savor the wholesome goodness of Mediterranean Diet Sooji Halwa, a modern twist on the classic dessert that blends rich flavors with healthy ingredients. This delightful recipe swaps traditional ghee with heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and incorporates unsweetened almond milk, honey, and medjool dates for natural sweetness. Roasted semolina forms the nutty, fragrant base, while a sprinkle of cardamom powder adds warming spice, perfectly complemented by crunchy almonds and pistachios. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this wholesome halwa is ideal for those seeking a guilt-free indulgence. Perfect as a warm dessert or a midday treat, this Mediterranean-inspired creation is packed with flavor, texture, and nutritional goodness—making it a must-try for both traditionalists and health enthusiasts alike.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (sooji)
- 0.333 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 pieces medjool dates, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons raw almonds, chopped
- 2 tablespoons pistachios, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds or pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
In a saucepan, combine water, unsweetened almond milk, and honey. Heat on medium flame until the liquid warms and the honey dissolves completely. Turn off the heat and set aside.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the semolina (sooji) to the pan and stir continuously. Roast the semolina for 7-10 minutes, or until it turns golden and emits a nutty aroma.
Add the cardamom powder, chopped almonds, chopped pistachios, and finely chopped dates to the roasted semolina. Mix well to evenly distribute the nuts and dates.
Lower the flame and carefully pour the warm liquid mixture (water, almond milk, honey) into the roasted semolina. Stir constantly to avoid lumps.
Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring frequently, until the semolina absorbs all the liquid and the halwa reaches a thick consistency (this should take about 5-7 minutes).
Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the halwa sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish with slivered almonds or pistachios before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2109 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 101.2 g | 130% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.3 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 94 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 280.8 g | 102% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.0 g | 71% | |
| Total Sugars | 118.7 g | ||
| Protein | 36.9 g | 74% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 441 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 1524 mg | 32% | |
*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.
