Rava Sheera/Sooji Ka Halwa

Rava Sheera is a very popular Indian desert. As the name indicates, it is made with Semolina (Sooji Rava). The preparation uses clarified butter and Sugar.

During the festival, especially Satyanarayana Pooja, it is offered to the God and then distributed among the devotees. It has different names in different parts of the country (India). In western region, it is known as Sheera; in Northern Region, it is generally known as Sooji Ka Halwa; in the Southern Region, it is known as Rava Kesari. There are subtle differences also. In south india, we add Orange Food Color/Saffron to Kesari and do not add any milk to it. And it is usually sweeter than Sheera. In Sheera, Banana is used sometimes. And if it is prepared as an offering to God, we add a few Tulsi (Holy Basil) Leaves.

Whatever the name and the subtle differences, this dish is a very tasty dish which is liked by everyone. If you have guests come over unannounced and you want to prepare a sweet dish, this dish should be the ideal one to make. It can also be served with Poori as a breakfast dish.

Rava Sheera/ Sooji Ka Halwa does not require any elaborate preparations and can be prepared just under 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Semolina (Rava / Sooji) – ½ cup

Sugar – ½ cup

Ghee – 4 tbsp

Cardoman Powder – ½ tsp

Raisins – 2 tbsp

Cashews – 4 tbsp

Milk – ½ cup

Water – 1 cup

To Garnish:

Few Raisins

Cardoman Powder – 1 pinch

Almonds (Badam) – ½ tsp (sliced thinly)

Method:

Heat 3 tbsp of Ghee in a broad nonstick pan. Add Semolina and sauté it in low flame for 3 to 4 minutes. Keep stirring all the time so that Semolina does not burn.

In the meanwhile, take ½ cup of milk and 1 cup of water in a vessel. Heat it to make it hot. Add this hot milk to the Semolina which you are frying. Add the milk carefully so that it does not splash stirring continuously while adding the milk.