Xalwa - Somalian Halwa

Time

Prep 15 min · Cook 180 min · 195 min total

Difficulty

medium

1. 1

   Mix together the cornflour and 250ml water to form a smooth paste (whisk vigourously to make the batter smooth).

2. 2

   Mix the 1.5 lt water with the sugar in a large pot until the sugar dissolves then add the cardamom powder and gradually stir-in the cornflour mixture and the ghee. Mix thoroughly until everything combines.

3. 3

   Heat on medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon for the first 20 minutes. After that go back every 10 minutes or so to stir.

4. 4

   Keep cooking for about 3 hours, until the mixture thickens and the ghee separates out. Pour the ghee from the pan, put the xalwa (also known as halwa) in a separate pan and decorate with peanuts and sesame seeds.

   180 min
5. 5

   When cooled slice with a wet knife. Wrap in cellophane or waxed paper.

Notes and swaps

Allergens

Not assessed yet. Check each ingredient if you have an allergy.