Suji Halwa, also known as Sooji Halwa or Sheera, is a beloved Indian dessert that's quick to make and full of comforting flavors. Made with simple pantry ingredients like semolina (suji), ghee, sugar, and water, this dish is often prepared during religious festivals, pujas, or as a quick sweet treat after a meal.
In this blog post, you'll learn the authentic Suji Halwa recipe, step-by-step instructions, and tips to make it perfect every time soft, fluffy, and rich with the aroma of ghee and cardamom.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
-
Quick & Easy: Takes only 15–20 minutes from start to finish.
-
Minimal Ingredients: Uses basic ingredients found in every Indian kitchen.
-
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for prasad, festive celebrations, or casual indulgence.
-
Customizable: Can be made richer with dry fruits, milk, or saffron.
Ingredients for Suji Halwa
Here’s what you’ll need (serves 3–4 people):
For the Halwa:
-
1 cup suji (semolina/rava)
-
¾ to 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
-
½ cup ghee (clarified butter)
-
2½ cups water (or 1½ cups water + 1 cup milk for a richer version)
-
½ teaspoon cardamom powder
-
A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
-
10–12 cashews (split)
-
10–12 raisins
How to Make Suji Halwa – Step-by-Step?
Step 1: Roast the Suji
-
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai.
-
Add suji and roast on medium-low heat, stirring continuously.
-
Roast until it turns light golden and gives off a nutty aroma (takes around 7–10 minutes).
Pro Tip: Be patient while roasting — this step determines the flavor and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Sugar Syrup
-
In a separate pan, boil water (and milk, if using).
-
Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron (if using).
-
Stir until sugar dissolves. Keep this hot.
Step 3: Combine & Cook
-
Slowly pour the hot syrup into the roasted suji, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
-
Be careful — it may splutter. Stir quickly and continuously.
-
Cook for 3–5 minutes on low heat until the halwa thickens and leaves the sides of the pan.
Step 4: Add Dry Fruits
-
In a little ghee, roast the cashews and raisins separately.
-
Mix them into the halwa and turn off the heat.
How to Serve Suji Halwa?
Serve hot as a standalone dessert or as part of a festive thali with puri and aloo sabzi (a popular combo known as "halwa puri"). You can also cool it slightly and mold it into shapes for prasad or offerings.
Tips & Variations
-
Milk instead of water: Makes it richer and creamier.
-
Saffron & nuts: Add an exotic touch for festive occasions.
-
Jaggery instead of sugar: A healthier, earthy twist (melt jaggery separately and strain before adding).
-
Vegan version: Use oil or vegan butter and skip milk.
When to Make Suji Halwa
-
Festivals: Diwali, Navratri, Janmashtami, or Ganesh Chaturthi.
-
Prasad: Often made as an offering in religious ceremonies.
-
Everyday Dessert: Quick enough for post-dinner indulgence!
Final Thoughts
Suji Halwa is more than just a dessert — it’s a nostalgic, heartwarming dish that every Indian household has enjoyed at some point. Whether you're new to Indian cooking or revisiting your roots, this halwa recipe will bring a touch of sweetness to your day. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!
