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Semolina Pudding
Old fashioned comfort at its very finest
EASY MEALS FOR ELDERLY PARENTS
6/1/20263 min read
Semolina pudding is one of those recipes that has almost disappeared from modern kitchens - and that is a genuine shame because it is one of the most perfectly suited desserts for elderly parents that exists.
Silky smooth, warm and gently sweet with a texture that is even softer than rice pudding - it slides down effortlessly and warms you from the inside out. Most elderly parents grew up eating semolina and the taste of it carries the most wonderful associations of childhood, safety and being cared for.
If you haven't made semolina pudding before I encourage you to try it. It takes 15 minutes from start to finish and produces something that genuinely delights.
Why This Recipe Works for Elderly Parents
Silky smooth texture - one of the smoothest desserts you can make with absolutely nothing to chew
Ideal for swallowing difficulties - the smooth flowing consistency is perfect for anyone with dysphagia or swallowing concerns
Easy to digest - semolina is very gentle on elderly digestive systems
Warming and comforting - served warm it is particularly appealing to elderly parents with reduced appetite
Quick to make - ready in 15 minutes with constant stirring
Deeply nostalgic - triggers wonderful childhood memories for most elderly parents
Recipe Details
Serves: 4 Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 12–15 minutes Freeze: Not recommended
Ingredients
600ml full cream milk
60g fine semolina
2 tbsp caster sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Small knob of butter
Pinch of salt
Pinch of ground nutmeg to serve
Optional: jam, honey or stewed fruit to serve
Method
Step 1 - Warm the milk Pour the milk into a medium saucepan and place over medium heat. Warm until steaming and just beginning to bubble around the edges - do not boil.
Step 2 - Add the semolina Reduce the heat to low. Pour the semolina into the warm milk in a thin steady stream, whisking constantly as you pour to prevent lumps forming. The constant whisking at this stage is the key to silky smooth semolina - do not rush it.
Step 3 - Cook and stir Continue cooking over low heat stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk for 8–10 minutes until the mixture has thickened to a smooth, flowing consistency similar to a thin custard. It will continue to thicken as it cools so remove from the heat when it looks slightly thinner than you want the final result to be.
Step 4 - Add flavourings Remove from heat. Stir in the caster sugar, vanilla extract, butter and pinch of salt. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
Step 5 - Serve immediately Pour into warm bowls and dust with a pinch of ground nutmeg. Serve with a spoonful of jam, a drizzle of honey or a spoonful of stewed fruit alongside if desired.
Serving Suggestions
A spoonful of good quality raspberry or strawberry jam stirred through
A drizzle of honey and a pinch of cinnamon
Warm stewed pears or stewed apple alongside
Simply on its own with just the nutmeg — pure and perfect
Storage
Semolina pudding is best served immediately - it thickens considerably as it cools and does not reheat well to the same silky consistency. Make fresh and serve straight away for the best result.
If you do have leftovers: cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. To reheat stir in a little extra milk and warm very gently over low heat stirring constantly, or microwave on low power stirring frequently.
Freezer: Not recommended.
Kim's Tips
💕 Constant stirring is non-negotiable - walk away from semolina and you will have lumps. It needs your full attention for the 10 minutes it takes to cook. Put on a podcast and stir - it's genuinely meditative once you get into the rhythm of it.
💕 Fine semolina not coarse - fine semolina gives a silky smooth result. Coarse semolina will be grainy. Check the packet before buying.
💕 Add the semolina slowly - pouring it in a thin steady stream while whisking constantly prevents lumps from forming. If you do get lumps simply whisk vigorously and they will smooth out.
💕 Adjust the sweetness to taste - the amount of sugar given is a guide. Some elderly parents prefer it sweeter and some prefer it very lightly sweetened. Taste as you go.
💕 The texture should flow - properly cooked semolina should have a smooth flowing consistency like a thick pouring sauce. If it seems too thick add a little extra milk and stir through.
What You'll Need
Just a medium saucepan and a good whisk - you likely have everything you need already! I've linked my favourite whisk on my Amazon storefront.
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This one always brings out the most wonderful stories - I'd love to hear your memories of semolina pudding in the comments! Come and find me on Instagram too. You're not doing this alone. 💕