Pan-Seared Semolina Halwa with Cardamom and Nuts

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

A fragrant Indian dessert made by toasting semolina with ghee, sweetened with sugar, and enriched with cardamom and toasted nuts. This Indian-inspired recipe (vegetarian), 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 280 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

• 3/4 cup semolina (rava)
• 4 tbsp ghee
• 2 cups water
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 4 green cardamom pods, crushed
• 2 tbsp cashews, halved
• 2 tbsp raisins

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 4 tbsp ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add 3/4 cup semolina and toast, stirring continuously for 6-8 minutes until the semolina turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.
2. Step 2: In a separate saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Slowly add the boiling water to the toasted semolina mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
3. Step 3: Add 3/4 cup sugar and 4 crushed green cardamom pods to the pan. Stir and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. Step 4: In a small skillet, toast 2 tbsp cashews and 2 tbsp raisins in 1 tbsp ghee over medium heat until golden and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes. Fold the toasted nuts and raisins into the halwa.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let the halwa rest for 5 minutes before serving warm.