Pan-Fried Semolina Halwa with Cardamom and Ghee
A traditional Indian dessert made by toasting semolina in aromatic ghee and simmering it with fragrant cardamom and sweetened milk until thick and silky. This Indian-inspired recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, layers semolina, ghee, 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 250 calories and feeds 4, 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
- 1/2 cup semolina
- 3 tbsp ghee
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 4, lightly crushed green cardamom pods
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup water
The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tablespoons of ghee in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 1/2 cup semolina and toast, stirring constantly, for 5-7 minutes until the semolina turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.
- Step 2: In a separate saucepan, combine 2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, and 4 lightly crushed green cardamom pods. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Step 3: Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the toasted semolina while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and cook for 8-10 minutes until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency and the semolina is fully cooked.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios and 2 tablespoons chopped almonds. Let the halwa rest for 5 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.








