Sooji ka Halwa/ Rava Sheera

Growing up in India it is ingrained in our culture that we shall always start new beginnings or new projects with a prayer and offering of Prasad/Naivadya to God. Prasad/Naivadya is mostly either a meetha (dessert) or fruits. Today, I will share with you a recipe of Sooji ka halwa. This is a popular dessert typically made during auspicious ceremonies like Satyanarayan katha (or other religious ceromonies) or during festivals such as Navratri. So here I am starting my new food blog journey with my prayers to God and Sooji Halwa (Rava sheera) as offering.

Moreover, this halwa is my husband's all time favorite dessert that he can eat all year round. So I make it frequently at home even if there is no occasion. However, today I am making this delight as mark of my first blog post. So let's get started with my recipe.

First and foremost, gather your ingredients -

1 Cup sooji (rava/cream of wheat)
3/4 Cup sugar (adjust per your taste and type of sugar you are using)
3/4 Cup ghee (clarified butter)
1 Cup warm milk
1 Cup warm water
1/2 tsp cardamom/ilaichi powder
Few strands of saffron/kesar
1 Tbsp Raisins
10-12 Cashew chopped
5-7 Almonds chopped (optional)
5-7 Pistachios (optional)

Process -

Take a big kadhai/wok or fry pan and add ghee. Heat it on a medium flame.

As ghee starts warming up turn flame to low and add sooji/rava. Saute it for about 6-8 minutes while stirring occasionally until it turns aromatic. Rava need to be sauted properly before adding any other ingredients. Alternatively, you can buy roasted rava that is sold in the stores.

Now warm up milk with saffron strands and water and add to the mixture. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes on medium flame while stirring continuously. (Be cautious as you add warm milk and water as the hot mixture may splash a little.)

Next, turn the flame to low and add remaining ingredients - sugar, cardamom powder, raisins, cashews, almonds and pistachios. Cook for another 6-8 minutes, stir occasionally.

After sugar is properly dissolved in the halwa/sheera, turn up heat to medium and cook for another minute or two. Finally turn off the heat.

Garnish with more chopped nuts. Delicious mouth watering Sooji ka halwa/Rava sheera is ready.

Let me know how it turns out for you. Please like, comment and subscribe to support. I will be back with more scrumptious recipes soon.