Sweet Begnings - Sheera

One of the easiest sweet dish in Maharashtrian cuisine is Sheera. This is also the favorite offering to Gods. With some simple ingredients a great tasting sweet can be made in a matter of minutes. Being so easy, it was one of the first things I learned in my Mother's kitchen. And then I would make it every time when I wanted to eat something sweet and warm. So here is the recipe

Ingredients

Rawa (Semolina) - 1 cup
Sugar - 3/4 - 1 cup
Ghee - 2-3 tbsp
Milk - 1 cup
Water - 1 cup
Raisins - 1 tbsp
A few cashews cut into small pieces
Saffron - 2-3 strands
Cardamom powder - 1/4 tsp

Method

The basic ingredients for the Sheera are the first 5. The rest are to give the Sheera a good flavor and richness.
1. Heat the ghee in a pan and add the cashews. Fry till they become slightly brown.

2. Add the rawa to the ghee and roast it till it gives out a good a good fragrance.

3. Once the rawa is nicely roasted add the milk and water and the raisins, and stir till the rawa gets cooked. Cover and keep for a minute. The rawa gets cooked and becomes slightly transparent. All the water and milk will get absorbed in the rawa.

4. Next add the sugar and cardamom powder and stir. The sugar will melt and get incorporated in the rawa. Keep stirring till the sheera gets a solid consistency

5. Roast the saffron strands in the microwave till they become crisp and can be crushed to fine pieces. Add this to the sheera and stir. The saffron gives the sheera a good color and fragrance.

Serve warm.