Semolina Bites
Holi is popularly known as the Indian “festival of spring”, the “festival of colors”, is celebrated predominantly in India. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil. And celebrates the arrival of spring, the end of winter, and for many a festive day to meet others, forgive mistakes, and repair broken relationships.
Suji Barfi / Semolina Bites
Course: DessertCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Medium20
servings10
minutes30
minutes2
minutesSuji Barfi (semolina bites) is an Indian sweet dish made with Semolina/Suji/Rava. Usually nuts like cashew, almonds, and desiccated coconut are added to it. Some make this using milk but this recipe uses water since this version lasts longer even without refrigeration.
Ingredients
1/4 cups Ghee (Clarified Butter)
1 cups Semolina/Suji
2 cups Water
1/2 cups Sugar
2 tbsp Cashew Powder (Optional)
2 tbsp Almond Powder (Optional)
2 tbsp Chironji (it is a nut primarily used in Indian cuisine, it’s botanical name is Buchanania Lanzan.)
2 tbsp Desiccated Coconut (Optional)
1 tsp Coconuts Flakes (Optional)
1 tsp poppy seeds (Optional)
Directions
- Heat ghee or butter in a pan
- Add semolina and roast until fragrant and light brown
- Add cashew powder, almond powder, desiccated coconut. Mix well.
- Add chironji or finely chopped nuts.
- Add hot water and mix well. Keep stirring until the water is absorbed by semolina. Note: This will give your arms a good workout 😊
- Add sugar and keep stirring until the sugar melts and is incorporated in the mixture.
- Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Grease a 12 X 6 (at least 2-3 inch high) baking tray with ghee or butter, sprinkle some desiccated coconut (this will help later while taking out the pieces). Sand spread the mixture in this tray.
- Let is set a bit and cool for 2 hours at room temperature.
- Once completely cold, garnish with coconut flakes, chopped nuts, poppy seeds.
- If you prefer a softer consistency, but into pieces ta this stage and serve.
- For slightly firmer bits, keep the tray in refrigerator and let it set for 4-5 hours.
- Cut into desirables shapes. Move them pieces to a different tray lined with butter paper and refrigerate for another hour or so.
Notes
- Adding nuts and coconut is completely optional and can be skipped, if desired.
- Since Semolina is made from wheat, it is not gluten free. I have seen some brands selling gluten free semolina but have never tried one for myself.