Suji Halwa(Cream of Wheat pudding), also called Rava Kesari is made from Cream of Wheat. The finer the consistency of the Cream of Wheat, the better the result. Some folks also use the coarse Cream of Wheat and it tastes delicious. The finer version is obtained in the grocery by the name Sooji Rava (Fine). The coarse Rava is used in making another delicacy Rava Laddu or Upma (savory porridge)
Suji Halwa (Cream of Wheat pudding) recipe
This recipe of Suji Halwa (Cream of wheat pudding) needs very few ingredients. They are all usually found in every household pantry. You will need sugar, nuts of your choice (almonds, pistachios, cashew nuts, raisins), powdered cardamom, ghee (clarified butter), and of course the cream of wheat. This can be prepared in no time.
The clarified butter or ghee used should be of the right amount to get the authentic taste. In this recipe, I used 1: ⅓ for the Rava and ghee ratio but if you don't mind the calories since this is occasionally made, 1:1 can also be used. This dish is sometimes used as an offering to deities for festivals and as 'prasad'. You can also add a little wheat powder while frying the Rava but that is optional.
Ingredients you will need
- Cream of wheat fine is preferred, coarse is okay as well.
- Sugar for sweetening. The ratio is usually 1:1 for every cup of cream of wheat we need one cup of sugar.
- Ghee or clarified butter - use it generously for an authentic taste.
- Cardamom for a nice aroma and flavor. Powder about five to six of them or grind coarsely.
- Nuts like cashews, pistachios, and raisins deep fried in ghee.
How to make the Suji Halwa?
It is important to roast the cream of wheat and dry fruits with ghee for about 8 to 10 minutes till you get a nice aroma. Add boiling water to the roasted cream of wheat may cause some splutter. It is better to reduce the flame before pouring the water in. Add the powdered cardamom and that imparts a nice fragrance to this Halwa. When all the lumps are removed by stirring add sugar in the end, stir well. Cover with a lid and cook on slow flame till you get the desired consistency.
Suji Halwa (Cream of Wheat Pudding) Rava Kesari
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream of wheat or Rava Suji fine
- 3 tsp wheat powder (optional)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar or as desired
- 5-6 cardamom powdered finely
- 10 cashews
- 10 raisins
- ⅓ cup ghee or clarified butter
Instructions
- Heat ghee (clarified butter) in a pan
- Roast the cashews, raisins, cream of wheat (rava suji), and wheat powder (optional) until you get a golden brown for about 10 mins.
- Next, add the water to the same pan with the roasted Rava, and keep stirring until it comes to a boil.
- Alternatively, you can add boiling water to the roasted Rava as well.
- When the pudding thickens and there are no lumps, add the finely powdered sugar and powdered cardamom seeds.
- Adjust the amount of ghee to get the desired consistency. That is it!! Enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
As you see this is such an easy dish to make. The amount of sugar and ghee can be adjusted to one's liking.
So yummy , especially as prasadam 😉
Yes this is very delicious as a prasadam ! Thank you so much!
My friend Tulsi introduced this dish to me years ago. I have been missing it and so happy to finally find a recipe like hers. I have not had it since she moved away.
Wonderful to know that this recipe is something that you wanted to try. Hope you will try it out. Enjoy!
This is an interesting recipe. I love cream of wheat cereal. But I'm wondering if that is the same thing here in the US as it is for you?
Cream of wheat used to be one of my favorite breakfasts. I'm so delighted to see that it can make such tasty desserts, too, and the cardamom would add a special flavor.
Suji Halwa is delicious and we always look upto it as comfort food. We often make the savoury version for this for breakfast and at times this sweet version also with some potato wedges. Great recipe indeed.
This cream of wheat dessert looks really good! I've never used cream of wheat and am not sure if I can find it here in Italy, but I'll definitely see if I can source some so I can give this pudding a try!
Suji halwa is one of my favorite desserts to make on festive occasions. It's so easy to make and delicious that you can't go wrong.
Absolutely Lathiya a very easy to make and delicious dessert! Thank you so much.