Rava Sheera
A classic Indian dessert that melts in your mouth. Made with fragrant roasted semolina, ghee, sugar, and nuts, this sweet pudding comes together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for celebrations or a quick treat.
For 4 servings
11 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.If using saffron, soak the strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk and set aside.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat
- a.Fry the cashews until light golden (1-2 minutes), then add the raisins and fry for 30 seconds until they plump up. Remove the nuts and raisins from the pan and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, add the remaining ghee
- a.Once melted, add the rava (semolina).
- 4
Step 4
- a.Roast the rava on low to medium heat, stirring continuously for 7-8 minutes, until it becomes fragrant and turns a very light golden color. Do not let it brown.
- 5
Step 5
- a.While the rava is roasting, bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil in a separate pot.
- 6
Once the rava is roasted, reduce the heat to low
- a.Carefully pour the boiling water into the pan while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Be cautious of spluttering.
- 7
The rava will absorb the water quickly
- a.Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until all water is absorbed and the rava is soft.
- 8
Uncover and add the sugar, cardamom powder, and the soaked saffron milk
- a.Mix well. The mixture will become liquidy as the sugar melts.
- 9
Step 9
- a.Continue to cook, stirring often, for 3-4 minutes until the sheera thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
- 10
Step 10
- a.Stir in most of the fried cashews and raisins, reserving some for garnish.
- 11
Turn off the heat
- a.Garnish with the remaining nuts and raisins and serve warm.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Roast the rava on low heat for the best flavor and texture. Rushing this step can result in a raw taste.
- 2Always add hot water to the roasted rava. Using cold water will cause lumps and affect the texture.
- 3Stir constantly when adding water to ensure a smooth, lump-free sheera.
- 4For a richer taste, you can replace half of the water with milk.
- 5Don't overcook the sheera after adding sugar, as it can become chewy or hard once it cools down.
- 6Sheera thickens as it cools. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of warm milk or water to loosen it before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace ghee with an equal amount of coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil. Use water instead of milk for soaking the saffron.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the amount of ghee to 1/4 cup and sugar to 3/4 cup. You can also substitute sugar with jaggery powder for a different flavor profile.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Add 1/4 cup of pineapple chunks or a mashed ripe banana along with the sugar for a fruity twist. This version is often called Pineapple Sheera or Prasadacha Sheera.
quickQuick
Use fine rava (also known as Bombay rava or chiroti rava) as it roasts and cooks faster than the coarser variety.