Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Soak Semolina

   In a bowl, add 1 cup of fine semolina (suji) and 1 cup of warm milk. Mix them well until combined. Cover the bowl and let the semolina soak for at least 1 hour to absorb the milk and swell.

2. 2.Roast Dry Fruits

   Heat a pan on low flame and add 1-2 teaspoons of ghee. Add your preferred dry fruits (almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins). Roast them for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raisins puff up and the nuts are lightly toasted. Remove the roasted dry fruits from the pan and set them aside.

3. 3.Roast Soaked Semolina

   In the same pan, add half of the remaining ghee. Add the soaked semolina mixture. Mix well with the ghee. Continue roasting the semolina on a low flame for approximately 12-15 minutes, gradually adding the rest of the ghee as it gets absorbed. Stir constantly until the semolina turns light golden brown and releases ghee.

4. 4.Caramelize Sugar

   Remove the roasted semolina from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of ghee. Add 1 cup of sugar. On a low flame, continuously stir the sugar until it melts completely and caramelizes into a rich golden brown color. Ensure no sugar crystals remain.

5. 5.Add Milk to Caramel

   Turn off the flame or keep it very low. Carefully add 1 cup of milk to the hot caramel. The caramel will solidify and harden initially. Continue stirring on low flame until the solidified caramel melts completely and integrates smoothly with the milk, forming a uniform caramel milk mixture.

6. 6.Combine and Cook Halwa

   Add the previously roasted semolina to the caramel milk mixture in the pan. Mix everything thoroughly. Continue cooking on a low to medium flame, stirring constantly, until the halwa mixture thickens, starts to leave the sides of the pan, and the ghee separates from the mixture.

7. 7.Add Flavor and Dry Fruits

   Once the halwa reaches the desired consistency, add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder for flavor. Stir in the roasted dry fruits. Mix everything well and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.

8. 8.Serve Makhandi Halwa

   Transfer the hot Makhandi Halwa to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra dry fruits if desired. Serve warm with puri or paratha for a delightful experience.