Low-Sugar Sooji Halwa Recipe That’s Perfect for Festive Days

Sooji Halwa, a popular Indian dessert, is often enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations. However, traditional recipes are loaded with sugar and ghee. In this healthier version, we've reduced the sugar content and incorporated wholesome ingredients to create a guilt-free, yet delicious, Sooji Halwa that's perfect for your festive meals without compromising on flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1/2 cup semolina (sooji)

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)

• 2 tablespoons low-carb sweetener (like stevia or erythritol)

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and pistachios)

• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)

• 2 cups water (or use 1 cup water and 1 cup unsweetened almond milk for a creamier texture)

• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

• A pinch of saffron strands (optional, for color and flavor)

• 1 tablespoon rose water or kewra water (optional, for fragrance)

Instructions

1. Roast the semolina

• In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee over medium heat

• Add the semolina (sooji) to the pan and roast it while stirring continuously to avoid burning

• Roast the semolina for about 4–5 minutes until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma

2. Prepare the sugar syrup

• In a separate pan, bring 2 cups of water (or a mix of water and almond milk) to a boil

• Once the water is boiling, add the low-carb sweetener and stir to dissolve

• If you're using saffron strands, add them to the boiling liquid to infuse the water with a rich color and flavor

• Once the sweetener has dissolved, remove the syrup from the heat

3. Cook the halwa

• Slowly pour the hot syrup into the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps

• Lower the heat to simmer and let the semolina absorb the liquid, which will take about 3–4 minutes

• Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee and stir it into the halwa for richness and flavor

• If you like, add a few drops of rose water or kewra water for fragrance at this stage

4. Add the nuts and raisins

• Stir in the chopped nuts and raisins (if using)

• Continue to cook for another 2–3 minutes until the semolina is fully cooked and the halwa has thickened to your desired consistency

5. Serve and garnish

• Once the halwa reaches a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat

• Garnish with extra chopped nuts and a few strands of saffron if desired

• Serve warm and enjoy the delicious, low-sugar treat!

Tips

• For an even creamier texture, you can replace part of the water with full-fat milk or almond milk

• Adjust the sweetness based on your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of sweetener

• To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the ghee with coconut oil or any plant-based fat

• You can also add a few tablespoons of unsweetened coconut flakes for added flavor and texture

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sugar instead of a low-carb sweetener?
Yes, you can use regular sugar, but the calorie count and glycemic index will be higher. You can adjust the quantity to taste.

2. Can I use other types of flour instead of semolina?
Semolina is the key ingredient for the authentic texture of Sooji Halwa. However, you could experiment with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour, though the texture may differ.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the halwa in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it with a splash of water or milk before serving.

4. Can I skip the nuts and raisins?
Absolutely! While nuts and raisins add richness and texture, you can skip them or substitute with any other dried fruits or seeds of your choice.

5. Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?
This version is relatively low in carbs due to the use of low-carb sweeteners and ghee. However, if you're on a strict keto diet, you may want to reduce the semolina quantity further and increase the fat content.