Toasted Semolina and Jaggery Fudge (Gujarati Mohanthal)
A rich, fragrant fudge made from toasted semolina, jaggery, and aromatic cardamom, a traditional Gujarati sweet. This indian-inspired desserts ready in about 30 minutes layers semolina (rava), ghee, jaggery, grated 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 8, 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)
- 1/2 cup ghee
- 3/4 cup jaggery, grated
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1/2 cup ghee in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup semolina and toast, stirring constantly, for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fragrant.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, in a separate saucepan, combine 3/4 cup grated jaggery with 1/2 cup water. Heat over medium flame, stirring occasionally until jaggery dissolves completely and the syrup reaches a one-string consistency (about 5 minutes).
- Step 3: Slowly pour the hot jaggery syrup into the toasted semolina while stirring vigorously to avoid lumps.
- Step 4: Add 1 tsp cardamom powder and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan, about 5 more minutes.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased tray or plate, sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped pistachios and 2 tbsp chopped almonds evenly on top, and press gently to set.
- Step 6: Allow the fudge to cool completely for 1 hour before cutting into squares and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Toasted Semolina and Jaggery Fudge (Gujarati Mohanthal) take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Toasted Semolina and Jaggery Fudge (Gujarati Mohanthal)?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Semolina and Jaggery Fudge (Gujarati Mohanthal)?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Toasted Semolina and Jaggery Fudge (Gujarati Mohanthal) for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Toasted Semolina and Jaggery Fudge (Gujarati Mohanthal)?
Indian desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
