Somali Halwa (Xalwo)
A rich and sweet confection, Somali Halwa is a popular dessert often served during celebrations and special occasions. It's made with a base of cornstarch, sugar, and butter, flavored with cardamom and nutmeg.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Cornstarch
- 4 cups Sugar
- 5 cups Water
- 0.5 cup Unsalted butter
- 0.25 cup Ghee or clarified butter
- 1 tsp Cardamom powder
- 0.5 tsp Nutmeg powder
- pinch Food coloring(optional, red or orange)
- 2 tbsp Sesame seeds(for garnish, toasted)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the cornstarch, sugar, and 5 cups of water until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain.
💡 Tip: Ensuring the cornstarch is fully dissolved prevents lumps in the final halwa. - 2
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
💡 Tip: Constant stirring is crucial to prevent sticking and burning. - 3
Continue to cook, stirring continuously, for about 20-25 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency and turns translucent.
⏱️ 25 minutes💡 Tip: The mixture will gradually thicken and become glossy. - 4
Reduce the heat to low. Add the unsalted butter and ghee. Stir until both are fully melted and incorporated into the mixture.
- 5
Stir in the cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, and food coloring (if using). Mix well until evenly distributed.
- 6
Continue to cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the halwa to cook through and develop its characteristic chewy texture.
⏱️ 20 minutes💡 Tip: The halwa should pull away from the sides of the pan. - 7
Pour the hot halwa into a greased serving dish or individual small bowls.
- 8
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top for garnish.
- 9
Let the halwa cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
⏱️ 2 hours💡 Tip: Chilling allows the halwa to set properly.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a firmer halwa, increase the cooking time slightly in step 6.
- ✓If you prefer a less sweet halwa, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but it will affect the texture.
- ✓The texture of halwa can vary; some prefer it softer, while others like it chewier.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of rose water or orange blossom water for an extra floral aroma.
- Incorporate finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds along with the sesame seeds.