- August 24, 2025
Soan Halwa Recipe – A Traditional Indian Sweet Full of Flavor and Heritage
Indian sweets or mithai are not just desserts; they are a celebration of tradition, love, and festivity. Among the most cherished delicacies is the Soan Halwa recipe, a rich, chewy, and decadent sweet that holds a special place during festivals like Diwali and Eid. Whether you call it sohan halwa in Pakistan or soan halwa in India, this traditional soan halwa is known for its nutty texture, melt-in-the-mouth goodness, and the comforting aroma of desi ghee.
About Soan Halwa
Soan halwa, also known as sohan halwa, is a traditional Indian dessert made from wheat flour (maida or sooji), ghee, sugar syrup, and a generous amount of dry fruits. Unlike soft puddings, it has a slightly chewy texture that makes it distinct. Some versions use khoya (mawa) or milk solids, while others are made with maida and ghee, giving it a unique richness.
This halwai style soan halwa is often prepared in large quantities by sweet makers during festive seasons. In cities like Multan (Pakistan), the Multani soan halwa recipe is legendary, while in India, it is often a royal sweet served on special occasions and also used as a gift sweet.
Ingredients for Soan Halwa Recipe
To prepare an authentic soan halwa recipe, you will need:
1 cup maida (all-purpose flour) or wheat flour
1 cup ghee (clarified butter)
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
½ cup milk
¼ cup khoya (optional, for richness)
½ teaspoon cardamom powder
A few strands of saffron (optional)
½ cup chopped dry fruits (almonds, pistachios, cashews, walnuts)
2 tablespoons rose water or kewra essence

How to Make Soan Halwa – Step by Step
Follow this soan halwa step by step recipe to recreate the halwai-style sweetness at home.
Step 1 – Prepare the Sugar Syrup
In a heavy-bottom pan, add sugar and water.
Heat on medium flame until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add milk to help remove impurities; the scum will rise on top, which you can skim off.
Continue boiling until you reach a two-string consistency.
Step 2 – Roast the Flour in Ghee
In another heavy pan, add ghee.
Slowly add maida and roast on low flame until it turns golden brown and aromatic.
If you’re using khoya, add it now and mix well.
Step 3 – Mix Sugar Syrup and Flour
Slowly add the prepared sugar syrup into the roasted flour mixture.
Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
Cook until the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Step 4 – Add Flavors and Nuts
Add cardamom powder, saffron strands, and rose water.
Mix in half the chopped dry fruits.

Step 5 – Set and Garnish
Grease a plate with ghee.
Spread the mixture evenly and let it set.
Garnish with remaining dry fruits.
Once cooled, cut into squares or diamond shapes.
Your traditional soan halwa is ready!

Variations of Soan Halwa
Soan Halwa with Ghee and Khoya – Rich and festive, made with mawa for a creamier texture.
Multani Soan Halwa Recipe – Popular in Pakistan, often made with wheat flour and loads of dry fruits.
Soan Halwa Without Khoya – Lighter version using just maida, ghee, and sugar syrup.
Soan Halwa with Dry Fruits – A luxury version loaded with almonds, pistachios, and cashews.
Quick Soan Halwa – A simplified easy soan halwa recipe for beginners, perfect for last-minute festive cooking.
Nutritional Value of Soan Halwa (per 100g approx.)
Calories: 450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 20 g
Sugar: 30 g
Fiber: 2 g
While soan halwa calories are on the higher side, it provides instant energy and is rich in nuts and ghee, making it a wholesome festival sweet.
Chef Tips for Perfect Soan Halwa
Always cook on low flame to avoid burning.
Sugar syrup consistency is the key – two-string stage gives perfect texture.
Use desi ghee for authentic flavor.
Add saffron and rose water for royal taste.
Garnish generously with dry fruits for richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve soan halwa Indian dessert warm with a cup of chai.
Pack as a soan halwa gift sweet for Diwali, Eid, or weddings.
Enjoy as a royal sweet dish after dinner.
Pair with rabri or kulfi for a grand festive spread.
FAQs about Soan Halwa
Q1: What is the difference between Soan Halwa and Soan Papdi?
A1: Soan halwa is chewy and rich, while soan papdi is flaky and crispy.
Q2: Can I make soan halwa without khoya?
A2: Yes, you can prepare a quick soan halwa recipe using just flour, ghee, and sugar syrup.
Q3: Is soan halwa gluten-free?
A3: Traditional soan halwa uses wheat flour, but you can experiment with gluten-free flour.
Q4: Why is my soan halwa sticky?
A4: Incorrect sugar syrup consistency can make it sticky. Ensure two-string syrup for best results.
Q5: Can I make soan halwa for fasting?
A5: Yes, many people prepare a soan halwa for festivals and vrat using dry fruits and ghee.
Interesting Facts
The Soan Halwa recipe is more than just a dessert – it’s a symbol of festivity, tradition, and love. From Diwali soan halwa in India to sohan halwa Pakistani style, its charm crosses borders. Whether you prepare it for Eid, Navratri, or simply as a royal sweet, this authentic soan halwa recipe never fails to impress.
So, the next time you crave a chewy, nutty, and rich dessert, try this halwai style soan halwa at home and indulge in the royal sweetness of Indian mithai.
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