Semolina Bites
Moist, fudgy, and filled with chocolate, these semolina bites are the perfect bite sized treat! These are perfect as starters, for a party, get together or whenever you’re just craving a bite of something quick and sweet. Not only are they easy to make, but they have a very royal look to them. It’s perfect for beginners too and you don’t need any fancy equipment to make these.
I have used Nutella as a filling, but feel free to use any other spread; such as Biscoff, caramel or peanut butter. However, I would not recommend jams or jellies since they are runny. You can easily adjust the amount of spread used to match your personal preference and sweet tooth.
Usually, spreads are thick and spreading them can be quite a task. The trick is to slightly warm them up and this makes them very easy to spread. Take 1/2 a cup out in a microwavable safe container and warm it at 10 seconds intervals, stirring in between. Just make sure that it does not start boiling. You can warm up the spreads on the stovetop over very low heat instead of using a microwave.
Use nuts of your choice. Skip it out if it is unavailable or you can’t use it due to dietary reasons.
The size of these semolina bites depends on your preference. To get perfectly clean cuts, allow the mixture to cool completely. Place it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes then cut through them using a clean dry knife. For this you need to wipe the knife after every cut.
You can serve them in one serving dish (as shown in the picture above) or place them in individual cupcake or muffin liners. You can easily store leftovers (in the fridge) and enjoy them the next day without needing to warm them up
Semolina Bites
Ingredients
- 2 cups semolina
- 2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
- 3/4 cup butter / margarine / ghee
- 1.5 cups sugar (can be adjusted according to preference)
- 1/2 cup liquid milk
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- Nutella / Lotus Biscoff spread / Peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons nuts finely chopped (either walnuts, pecans or pistachios)
Instructions
- Prepare a serving dish (9×9 inch) by lining with parchment paper and greasing it well (makes it easier to remove the semolina).
- In a non-stick pan over medium heat and WITHOUT adding butter/ margarine/ ghee, toast the shredded coconut stirring continuously (or it will burn). It will take 1.5-2 minutes only and immediately remove it to another plate.
- In the same non-stick pan, melt butter/ margarine /ghee and add the semolina and toast it until aromatic. Keep stirring continuously or it will burn. It will take approximately 5-6 minutes. There will be a slight change in color (light brown).
- At this point EXCEPT FOR THE NUTS add in the toasted coconut along with the rest of the ingredients i.e. sugar, cardamom powder, and milk.
- Give it a good stir and the mixture will immediately start to thicken. Cook for 1 minute ONLY.
- Transfer HALF the mixture to the greased serving dish. Immediately spread and level it out with a silicone spatula.
- Melt Nutella / Biscoff / Peanut butter in the microwave for 10 seconds only. It makes it easier to pour it and create an even layer.
- Once evenly spread, place the remaining half of the semolina mixture and smooth it out with the spatula.
- So you end with a Nutella / Biscoff / Peanut butter layer sandwiched between the semolina layers !
- Sprinkle the nuts mixture on it and with the silicone spatula gently press it into the semolina mixture.
- Let it cool completely preferably in the fridge before cutting it to ensure clean cuts.
- When making cuts, wipe the knife with a paper towel before making the next cut.
- These bites can be placed in decorative cupcake liner for individual servings at a party.
Notes
- Do not skip toasting the coconut. It gives a wonderful taste!
- Coconut and semolina need to be stirred continuously. Do not leave them unattended or they burn easily.
- Thickness of the bites will depend on the size of your serving dish.
- Nuts in powdered form can also be used, but coarsely chopping gives a nice crunch.
- Make sure to add the nuts while the mixture is warm. If it cools, the nuts will not stick.
- For clean perfect cuts – a cooled mixture & a clean knife is the secret.
- You can skip the Nutella / Biscoff / Peanut butter layer and keep it simple.
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