Simple Semolina Porridge
A warm, creamy bowl of comfort that comes together in under 10 minutes. Made with fine semolina roasted in a touch of ghee until fragrant, then gently simmered with milk and a hint of jaggery. This simple Indian-style porridge is light yet satisfying — perfect for breakfast, a gentle meal for kids, or whenever you need something cozy and quick.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~3 min
Heat the milk and water.
In a saucepan, combine milk and water. Warm gently over low heat until just starting to steam. Do not let it boil. Keep warm on the side.
- roast · ~5 min
Roast the semolina and aromatics.
1.Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over low-medium heat.2.Add cashews and sauté until light golden (1 min).3.Add crushed cardamom pods and raisins, stir for 10 seconds.4.Add semolina and roast, stirring continuously, until light golden and fragrant (3-5 min).TIPLow heat and constant stirring prevent the semolina from burning. The aroma should be nutty and sweet. - simmer · ~4 min
Cook the porridge with warm liquid.
1.Slowly pour the warm milk-water mixture into the roasted semolina, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.2.Add the grated jaggery and a tiny pinch of salt.3.Stir well and let it simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, until the semolina absorbs the liquid and the porridge thickens to a creamy, flowing consistency.TIPIt will thicken on standing — take it off heat when it is still slightly loose. - serve
Serve warm.
Spoon into bowls and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast semolina on low heat with constant stirring to avoid burning and achieve a nutty aroma.
- 2Keep the milk-water mixture warm before adding to the roasted semolina to prevent lumps.
- 3Take the porridge off the heat when still slightly loose, as it will thicken upon standing.
- 4Use fine or medium semolina for the creamiest texture; coarse semolina will be grainy.
- 5Crush cardamom pods just before adding to release maximum fragrance without bitterness.
- 6For a richer taste, replace some water with extra milk or a splash of cream.
- 7Leftover porridge can be reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with coconut oil and use full-fat oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk. The porridge will be slightly less rich but still creamy with a subtle coconut note.
high proteinHigh-protein
Add 2 tablespoons of roasted chickpea flour (besan) along with the semolina and increase milk by ¼ cup. This boosts protein without altering the sweet, comforting taste.
low sugarLow-sugar
Replace jaggery with 1-2 teaspoons of stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and add mashed ripe banana for natural sweetness. Ideal for diabetics or those watching sugar intake.
savory versionSavory version
Skip jaggery and raisins; add ½ tsp cumin seeds, ¼ tsp black pepper, and sautéed vegetables like carrots and peas. Finish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh coriander for a savory breakfast bowl.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Energy from Complex Carbs
Semolina provides steady-release carbohydrates, making this porridge a good source of sustained energy to start the day.
Calcium from Milk
The milk in this recipe contributes calcium for bone health, and it also adds protein for satiety.
Iron from Jaggery
Jaggery, an unrefined cane sugar, contains trace amounts of iron and minerals, offering a more nutrient-dense sweetener than white sugar.
Antioxidants from Cardamom
Cardamom is rich in antioxidants and may aid digestion, adding a subtle aromatic boost to the porridge's health profile.
Frequently asked questions
Lumps form if the milk-water mixture is cold or added too quickly. Always use warm liquid and pour slowly while stirring constantly to keep the semolina smooth.
