Recently, I received a pack of Filtered Coffee from OZ Kaapi, which is roasted and blended in Australia. I wanted to use the brew for making an Indian dessert. When I think about Indian desserts a childhood favorite and the easiest dish that comes to my mind is Suji Halva i.e. Indian Semolina Pudding. The semolina slow roasted in ghee/clarified butter, mixed with sugar, milk and nuts: cooked till the sugar is dissolved and milk is absorbed by semolina. This is enjoyed hot or warm with a garnish of nuts.

Suji halva is staple dessert in Indian homes; we make it on auspicious days, a quick dessert, as an offering in temples, on a rainy or a cold day or just without any reason as it’s the easiest and the quickest sweet treat!!

In this recipe I have made a twist to the traditional recipe, I added brewed filter coffee. The coffee gives the halva a distinct nuttiness and lifts up the caramelized taste of the halva.

Let’s start with the recipe:

Serves – 4                             Duration 30 minutes

Ingredients

• Ghee – 5 tbps (ghee substitute can be a neutral oil like canola, grapeseed)
• Semolina – 1 cup (Fine or medium grain works )
• Brown Sugar/ jaggery – 3/4 cup (grate the jaggery)
• Milk – 2.5 cups ( substitute can be water)
• Filter coffee brew – 1/4 cup (I used 2 tbsp. of coffee blend)
• Chopped nuts – 3 tbsps. (I used almonds, pistachios and coconut flakes)

Method

• In a heavy bottom medium pan, melt the ghee and add the semolina (suji). Roast in ghee on a medium heat. Keep stirring, till the semolina starts giving a nutty aroma and turns a bit brownish in color. It will take 10 minutes to roast the semolina. Make sure you do not leave the pan unattended otherwise you may burn the semolina.
• Put the stove on low flame; now add the milk and sugar. Be careful as it will splutter .Now stir briskly on a medium heat till the mixture is starts to thicken. It will take 3-4 minutes. The mixture will start to pull away from the pan.
• On a low heat, add the brewed coffee and stir till the coffee mixes thoroughly, it will take few seconds. Transfer the halva in a serving bowl and garnish with the chopped nuts.

Notes:

1)      You may substitute ghee with neutral oils like vegetable oil, grapeseed oil or canola oil if making a dairy free or vegan variation.

2)      Substitute milk with water in dairy free or vegan variation.

3)      You may omit nuts if you want.

4)      If you want to make without coffee, just omit adding the coffee and you get the traditional Suji Halva.

Happy Cooking

Nidz Kitchen