Cardamom-Spiced Semolina Halwa

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-29 · Updated 2026-04-29

A fragrant Indian dessert made by toasting semolina and simmering it with ghee, sugar, and cardamom until rich and silky. This Indian-inspired recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, layers semolina (rava), ghee, water 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 220 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)
• 3 tbsp ghee
• 2 cups water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 6, crushed green cardamom pods
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp golden raisins

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
2. Step 2: Add 1 cup semolina to the pan and toast, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon, for 6-8 minutes until it turns light golden and emits a nutty aroma.
3. Step 3: In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil, then add 3/4 cup sugar and 6 crushed green cardamom pods, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Step 4: Slowly pour the hot sugar-cardamom water into the toasted semolina while stirring vigorously to avoid lumps.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and semolina absorbs all the liquid, about 6-8 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp sliced almonds and 2 tbsp golden raisins, cooking for another 2 minutes to soften the raisins.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.