Sooji or Cream of Wheat Halwa is a popular dish in India. It is a comfort food, it can be served for breakfast, lunch, dessert. It is also a popular prasad (food offered to God during pooja, or prayer session, and shared with everyone at the end). Traditionally, cream of wheat is roasted in butter or ghee in a pan over the stove, which is very tedious. My low fat, shortcut version in the microwave makes it simpler and easier to make. Other popular Halwas are Carrot Halwa, Moong Bean Halwa, Sweet Potato Halwa and Chana Daal or Besan Halwa.

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup regular cream of wheat (use the 21/2 minute version if regular is not available) or semolina

1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2  cups milk

1/4 tsp cardamom powder

1/4 cup toasted, unsalted cashew pieces, optional ( if you have raw nuts, toast them in the microwave for 1- 2 minutes)

2 tbsp. coconut flakes, optional

2 tbsp. raisins, optional

A pinch of saffron

A tablespoon of cashews and coconut for garnish. I used sliced, toasted almonds.

You can substitute cashews with other toasted chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios.

NOTE:

Keep in mind that microwave timings may vary depending on the wattage of your machine. If you do not wish to use a microwave, you can cook it on the stove in a heavy bottom pan.

For Vegan Halwa, use oil instead of butter.

PREPARATION:

Melt butter in microwave safe dish and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add cream of wheat, and microwave for 2 minutes, stir. Continue to microwave in one minute increments until golden brown and fragrant, a total of 3 to 4 minutes. Add sugar, milk, raisins, nuts and cardamom powder (and saffron). Microwave for another 2-3 minutes.  Let stand for 5 to 10 minutes covered. Garnish with remaining coconut, cashews and serve warm. You can scoop them into individual servings while still warm and serve as a finger food.

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