Sheera | Sooji Ka Halwa
User Reviews
5
Sheera | Sooji Ka Halwa
Description
The preparation begins by roasting semolina in ghee until it turns light golden brown and releases a nutty aroma, which is essential to the halwa’s flavor. Mashed banana is mixed in next for added softness and subtle sweetness. A hot mixture of milk and water is slowly added while stirring to prevent lumps and splattering, and saffron is incorporated for color and fragrance.
The mixture simmers covered, allowing the semolina to absorb the liquid fully. Sugar, ground cardamom, and half of the chopped nuts are stirred in, thickening the halwa and enriching its taste. The final dish is garnished with the remaining nuts and optional raisins, adding a pleasant crunch and bursts of sweetness.
Sheera is often served warm, making it a comforting dessert for pujas or special occasions. The use of milk over just water gives it a creamy texture, while the banana offers a slight fruity note. Roasting the semolina carefully is crucial to avoid bitterness and develop the right aroma.
For a dairy-free version, plant-based unsweetened milk like oat or almond milk can substitute dairy milk. Nuts may be omitted for nut allergies without sacrificing much flavor. Equal amounts of semolina, ghee, and sugar can be used to make a prasad version with a balanced sweetness and texture. Roasting time and color serve as a guide for doneness during preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sooji rava/semolina, fine
- ½ cup ghee see notes
- 1 banana sliced, ripe
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 pinch saffron
- ⅔ cup sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamom
- ¼ cup nuts almonds, pistachios, and cashews, chopped
- ¼ cup raisins optional
Instructions
- Add ghee and sooji to a pan and roast on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes stirring continuously as sooji slowly turns to light golden brown color and aromatic.
- Turn the heat to low and add banana, smashing it with the back of the spatula as you mix in.
- Mix milk and water and heat in the microwave until it is hot but not boiling, about 3 minutes. Slowly and carefully add it to the pan stirring continuously. Be very careful while adding liquids may cause a lot of steam and the Sheera may start to splatter
- Once the liquids are fully mixed in, add saffron. Cover and cook on low heat for five minutes as the sooji will absorb all of the liquids.
- Add sugar, cardamom, and half of the nuts. Mix well and cook covered on low heat for 5 minutes. Sheera will continue to thicken as it cools down. Garnish with remaining nuts and raisins.
Notes
- Roast the semolina with ghee on low to medium heat until light golden brown and aromatic for best flavor.
- Use equal amounts of semolina, ghee, and sugar to prepare prasad Sheera for religious offerings.
- Milk can be replaced with unsweetened plant-based milk like oat, almond, or soy milk for a dairy-free option.
- If allergic to nuts, omit them; the halwa remains delicious.
- Banana is optional but recommended if ripe for added natural sweetness and texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 1Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 407 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 407kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 17% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 40mg | 2% |
| Potassium | 258mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 29g | 58% |
| Vitamin A | 94IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 108mg | 11% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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