It’s Not Diwali Without My Mom’s Sooji Halwa

Sooji halwa, a simple dessert made with semolina flour, ghee, and sugar, is made widely across India for various religious and special occasions. It’s no secret why it’s so popular: it tastes delicious, uses humble ingredients, and can be dressed up in any number of ways depending on whatever is accessible to you (although it’s often topped with dried fruit and chopped nuts).

When I was growing up, my mother always made sooji halwa during Diwali, which is a big celebration for the South Asian community. Everyone dresses up to take part in the festivities, and visits each other’s homes to enjoy an array of sweet and savory snacks. Even after all these years, sooji halwa still holds a special place in my life, and I always make sure it’s part of my Diwali festivities.

Although I threw a big bash last year and attended a few parties around New York City, this year I’m keeping it super laid-back — due to the ongoing pandemic — and hosting an intimate dinner for a few friends. My mother sent me a big Diwali care package all the way from India, with handmade snacks that I’ll serve at the dinner along with a warm bowl of sooji halwa for dessert!

Read more: This Diwali, a Warm Bowl of Sooji Halwa Is Bringing Me Much-Needed Comfort

The color of this dish depends on your own personal preference of how toasted you like the semolina, which is why you’ll see variations ranging from a light cream to a deep nutty brown or saffron-infused yellow. The most important part is that you stir it continuously when toasting it in the ghee, because much like using the broiler, if you walk away even for a second it will burn (I learned this the hard way).

This dessert also falls into the breakfast category and can be enjoyed as you would a bowl of porridge. It’s cozy and comforting — so really, it’s perfect for any meal you like.