Monday, October 12, 2015

Orange Blossom Flavored Walnut Semolina Halwa


I don't have much of a sweet tooth, y'all! There! I have said it. On a food blog no less. I know you will never fully trust me again. This is why when you click on the tag on the side panel that says "desserts" you will find three total entries - including this one. A sweet dish has to be pretty friggin darn awesome before I will be tempted to post it on here - or put it in my mouth. 


The upcoming holiday and festival season has me quite excited and inspired to try my hand at some old treats. Halwa, or semolina pudding is a no nonsense sweet dish that was very common at home when I was growing up. I have given it a spruce up here with the unexpected flavor of orange blossom water. I might have added raisins or dried cranberries if I'd had them on hand. 

Yield - Serves 8
Time - 1 Hour + 2 Hours Chilling



Ingredients


2.5 Cup Fine Semolina
4 Tablespoons Butter
1.5 Cups Walnuts
1.5 Cups Brown Sugar
4 Cups Water
2 Tablespoons Orange Blossom Water

Method

Heat a pan on low to medium heat and add in the semolina and butter. Slow roast it while stirring it frequently. 



You don't want it to burn but you want to roast it on an even heat till it gives out a nutty aroma and starts to brown. The browner you get the semolina, the darker your final halwa will be. This can take about half an hour, so it is pretty busy work.


Crush one cup of walnuts to a coarse grind. Roughly chop the remaining half cup of walnuts. 


Once the semolina is roasted to your liking add in the water, stirring to remove any lumps. Slow roasting in butter over a long time reduces the amount of lumps you will have at this stage.


Add sugar and the crushed walnuts. Stir to combine thoroughly. Have a taste. See if it is sweet enough for you. Add more sugar if you'd like. Raisins/ dried cranberries too if you're using them (though I'd lightly fry them in a bit of butter first).


Add the chopped walnuts. 


Dish out in dessert bowls or ramekins and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.




Enjoy!

6 comments:

  1. I think the taste will be awesome if instead of sugar you add "Patali Gur", season for which is coming soon.

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    Replies
    1. Will try making it with Patali gur when I come home then :-)

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  2. looks great, love the addition of orange blosson water. I am sure that made the halwa so much more flavorful!

    ReplyDelete
  3. We are kindred spirits....I published a blog last year entitled I don't like sweet! :D However for this....I'd make an exception! What a beautiful, perfect dessert! Pinned & shared to pass the word - please stop by and share another terrific recipe with us this week at #TryaBiteTuesday!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nawww thanks Deb! Will definitely see you over at #TryaBiteTuesday :-)

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