Cardamom-Infused Semolina Halwa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-30 · Updated 2026-04-30

A fragrant Indian dessert where roasted semolina simmers in sweetened milk and butter, brightened with cardamom and garnished with nuts. This Indian-inspired recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, layers semolina (rava), unsalted butter, whole milk into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 270 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina (rava)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 6 crushed green cardamom pods
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, add 1 cup semolina and roast, stirring constantly, for 8-10 minutes until it turns golden and emits a nutty aroma.
2. Step 2: In a separate saucepan, warm 2 cups whole milk with 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 6 crushed green cardamom pods over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is hot but not boiling.
3. Step 3: Gradually pour the hot milk mixture into the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low and cook the mixture, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency.
5. Step 5: Stir in half of the chopped almonds and pistachios, reserving the rest for garnish. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Serve warm, garnished with the remaining 1/4 cup chopped almonds and pistachios.