Sooji Seero (Halva)

Sooji Seero

This traditional Sooji Seero recipe is an easy Indian dessert made with simple ingredients that include soji flour, sugar, milk, nuts, cardamom powder, and ghee. Semolina Durum Wheat Flour is a high protein grain that is commonly used in Indian cooking ranging from savory to sweet recipes. Suji, Sooji, Soji, Semolina, and Rava all refer to the same ingredient, and make this delicious treat that is often an offering for religious Hindu holidays. It is also given to new moms to aid post partum recovery along with breastmilk production. Sooji Seero is also considered a healthy nutritious meal for toddlers.

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History

I grew up eating Suji Seero at most religious events. It was one of my favorite things. Actually, it was every kid’s favorite thing. Growing up, cupcakes, cookies, and ice cream were not commonly served at these events. So I would look forward to some seero. When my mom made it, she would add extra nuts and ghee thinking “kids need the nutrition”. Which is probably where I get the need to add an extra tablespoon of clarified butter to the pot. I mean, who doesn’t love ghee right?

What other names are used for Semolina?

Most commonly known as Semolina, but other words include Suji, Soji, Sooji, Rava, Rawa, Durum Wheat, and Semolina. I grew up calling it Rava.

Is Rava and Suji the same?

Yes, they are referring to the same thing. In certain parts of India this ingredient is called Rava and others call it Suji/Sooji. A common grain found in both Idli and Dosa. It is a high gluten ingredient since the original grain comes from the same source as all purpose flour. If you are eating a gluten-free diet, then this recipe is not one to mess with unfortunately.

Where can I buy Semolina Durum Wheat?

Suji in English is known as Semolina and can be found in the flour section of your grocery store. Normally in small packages, but comes in various different textures. I have bought the ingredient at local Indian Grocery Stores and on Amazon recently. Both have been great quality. It is also used to make pasta in Italian food and other South Asian dishes.

What dishes can you make with Semolina Flour?

Durum Wheat Semolina Flour is used in India for sweet halva recipes, Idli, Dosa, Uppma, Fried snacks, and some spiced cakes. They range from breakfast, dinner, and snack recipes. It can also be used to make traditional Italian pasta dishes. If you are interested in making gluten-free dosa then try my Dosa Recipe.

Does Suji have carbohydrates?

Suji is a high carb food which is why it is a recommended ingredient for post partum breastfeeding moms in India. The ancient tradition is still carried on until date. A new mom indulges in Sooji Seero moments after delivering a baby and continues to eat high fat and carb rich foods until she finishes breastfeeding. I ate Sooji Seero for a few months after giving birth and it was a pure delight!

Does Sooji Seero help with breastmilk production?

This really depends on an individual, but the high carb dish has proven to help increase breastmilk supply within hours of consuming and I can definitely vouch for that. Nursing and eating a diet that is nutritious and filled with carbs can help increase breastmilk supply. For that reason, Rava Seero is a recommended postpartum dish. It is a centuries old tradition held up until date in India and continues to be passed on even today.

I never would have thought something so delicious can also help me raise my kids, but am very thankful for these traditions to have proven to work.

EVERY KID’S FAVORITE!

Can halva be given to babies?

This is a common food given to babies in India. However, I would consult with your baby’s pediatrician for approval. In my case, any form of sugar (jaggery, raw, brown, refined) and salt were not given until one year old. This was a personal decision, but I recommend researching it to see if it is a good fit your family. Alternatively, you can consider carrot or lokhi halwa with natural sweetners such as bananas and dates.

What ingredients do you need for Halva?

A few simple ingredients include the base of the recipe. Additional spices can be added based on preference thereafter. Durum Wheat Flour (semolina), Sugar, Whole Milk, and Clarified Butter (ghee) make up the base whereas nuts, saffron, and cardamom can be tasty additions for sooji seero. I personally love to add almond flour and slivered almonds to the dish.

How do you make Sooji Halva?

Heat some ghee in a pan and once it melts add the semolina. Cook until the semolina flour is light and airy. Then add warm whole milk, with extra caution, to the pan. Lower the heat and mix for about 30 seconds. Then add the sugar, mix well, and cover the lid for a few minutes. This will allow the rava halva to cook the fine granules.

How do you store halva?

Normally eaten warm, but can be enjoyed at room temperature as well. My personal favorite is room temperature! You can refrigerate halva for a few days in a refrigerator. When you are ready to eat it, simply place it in the microwave with a lid and heat for 30 seconds at a time until it reaches preferred temperature.

Semolina Seero Recipe