Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Semolina Halwa with a Luxurious Silk Drizzle
Written by Deepali Verma | May 15, 2025
Have you ever had a week where everything feels just the same, even food? Then one day, around afternoon, you find yourself craving something warm, something old-fashioned, but also new in some small way. That's where exactly this semolina halwa with a drizzle of Silk kicks in. It's your familiar halwaÑthe one from birthdays, poojas, and Sunday breakfastsÑbut here, it incorporates a bit of soft, sweet treatfulness through a drizzle of melted Silk chocolate on top.
Let's face it, halwa is one of those foods that doesn't require an excuse. It does when you're celebrating or when you're coming home late and want something firm and sweet. But when you drizzle over that rich, glistening top layer of Silk, the scenario changes. Now, it's richer, more substantial, something you would serve when you feel like indulging someoneÑor yourselfÑa little.
This is not a complex recipe. It is, in fact, based on basics. It is all about steps, timing, and the method in which you mix day-to-day ingredients to make something out of it that is extraordinary. If you already know Sooji Halwa, this will come across as known but taken up a level higher. And if you have never made one before, then it is a good starting point for you.
Step 1: Roast semolina properly, no shortcuts
The foundation of a fine semolina halwa is all about roasting right. Begin with one cup of fine semolina (also known as rava or sooji) and roast it gently in three-fourths cup of ghee. Employ a heavy-bottomed pan and have the flame low. This is not something you hurry. Stir constantly until it gets golden, and the ghee begins to release from the sides. You will sense when it's doneÑnutty, not raw.
Step 2: Add water, but add it smartly
Next comes the part where most people get nervousÑthe water. Take two and a half cups of water and make sure itÕs hot before adding. Pour it slowly, in parts, while stirring. Be careful hereÑthis mix will splutter, and it can burn if youÕre not paying attention. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Step 3: Introduce sugar and cardamom at the time that is appropriate
Sugar shouldn't be added too soon. Wait until your semolina has absorbed all the water and thickened a bit. Then add three-fourths cup of sugar (alter according to your sweetness preference). That needs to be followed by half a teaspoon of cardamom powder.
Step 4: Melt the Silk separately before you drizzle
Now the fun partÑthe Silk drizzle. Break 80 to 100 grams of Silk chocolate into pieces. In a small separate bowl, heat two tablespoons of milk and add in the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until shiny and smooth. This is your drizzle.
Step 5: Add nutsÑbut toast them first
A halwa with no crunch? It's like something's lacking. Take a handful of chopped cashews and almonds and saut them in a spoon of ghee prior to adding. Stir in the nuts, when the halwa is done and off the fire, or use them as garnish. Toasting them is what makes all the difference. Raw nuts don't provide the same finish and frying them in ghee also enhances their flavor and provides your halwa with that last touch of balanceÑsoft semolina, gooey Silk, and crunchy nuts.
Step 6: Serve it warm, not straight off the stove
Once your halwa is done, remove it from heat and let it stand for two to three minutes. It's hard to resist eating it right away, but waiting allows everything to settle. The Silk drizzle will gradually soften and slide in, the ghee will evenly coat, and every spoonful will be satisfying.
Step 7: Store it right if saving for later
Got leftovers? Keep the halwa in a sealed container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and heat on low until it reaches the correct consistency. Reheat the Silk drizzle separately or omit it and serve as is.
DonÕt microwave directly without adding moisture. That dries it out and makes the ghee separate. If stored and reheated the right way, this halwa tastes just as good the next dayÑmaybe even better after the Silk soaks in a little more.