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Somali Halwa
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Somali Halwa

Somali Halwa (Xalwo) is a popular, melt-in-your-mouth sweet flavored with cardamom and nutmeg. Made with sugar, cornstarch, and oil, this classic treat
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 20

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of water Divided
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 2 cups light brown sugar packed
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 1 cup ghee/oil
  • 1 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Pinch saffron powder

Instructions

  • Grease a baking dish and set a aside.
  • In a deep heavy pot, bring the sugar and 3½ cups of the water to aboil.
  • In a bowl, whisk the cornstarch and saffron with the remaining 1/2 cup water until smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
  • As the mixture turns thick, start adding ghee/oil tablespoons at a time, stirring well after each addition. Add more whenever the halwa sticks to the bottom of the pot.
  • Keep stirring until the oil separates and the halwa turns glossy, thick, and pulls away from the sides of the pot.
  • Stir in the cardamom, cloves, nutmeg.
  • Pour into the prepared dish and spread evenly, about ½ to 1 inch thick.
  • Put the halwa on a baking sheet.
  • Let cool 2 to 3 hours until firm, then cut into squares and serve.