Dogri Sooji Halwa

Semolina halwa with ghee and dry fruits — coarse semolina (sooji) fried in a generous quantity of ghee in a heavy kadhai until golden-brown and nutty-smelling, then flooded with hot sugar syrup and stirred vigorously until absorbed into a glossy, grainy halwa. Finished with cardamom, raisins, and cashews. Made at every puja, festival, and auspicious occasion in Dogra households — the first food prepared and offered to the deity before the household eats.