Easy Soji / Semolina Dessert Recipe

This recipe was given to me by my cousin Preeya Naidoo.

Soji is a traditional dessert often served at weddings in my old hometown Durban, South Africa and one I often miss. On my last trip to South Africa my cousin not only made this for me but also gave me this awesome recipe so I can make it here in USA whenever I want. This recipe is super easy and always turns out well.

Soji with Nestle Cream and Almonds

The main ingredient is Semolina and this should be lightly toasted while mixing frequently being careful it does not get to a dark brown. Unsweetened shredded coconut/desiccated coconut can optionally be added to the dry toasting step.

The next piece is to make the buttery syrup, bringing to a boil butter, milk, water and cinnamon sticks. In South Africa the butter looks a lot more yellow than the pale color butter in USA. That yellow color lends itself to the end result so I add a few drops of yellow food coloring as well (this is optional). Once at a boil, lower the heat add the semolina and mix quickly to ensure it becomes smooth. It will thicken very quickly as the semolina absorbs the water.

The soji can be decorated with peeled and colored almond slivers. It can also be served warm with Nestle table cream.

This recipe is very easy and should be ready very quickly.

Easy Soji / Semolina Dessert Recipe

Yield ~ 6 servings

Prep Time ~ 5 min

Cook Time ~ 15 - 20 min

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina

• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut / desiccated coconut (optional)

• 1 cup water

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup butter

• 1/2 cup milk

• 2-4 small cinnamon stick pieces

• 2-4 drop yellow food color (optional)

• colored almond slivers for decoration

• Nestle table cream to serve

Method

1. In a pan on medium heat lightly toast semolina and coconut (if using). Mix often being sure not to over brown. Set aside.

2. Bring to boil water, sugar, butter, milk and cinnamon sticks. Add optional yellow food coloring if choosing to.

3. Reduce heat to low and add the toasted semolina to the liquid. Mix quickly to ensure a smooth well mixed consistency.

4. Once thickened switch off stove.

5. Serve warm with optional table cream and decorate with colored almond slivers.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases