Banana Sheera Recipe – Sweet Banana Halwa/Pudding (Maharashtrian Style)
If you’re in the mood for a quick, comforting, and naturally sweet dessert that combines the goodness of bananas and semolina, this Banana Sheera is the perfect choice. Known as a traditional Maharashtrian recipe, this dish is often enjoyed as a breakfast or an evening snack, thanks to its easy preparation and rich flavors. The combination of ripe bananas, cardamom, jaggery, and ghee makes this pudding a decadent yet nutritious treat. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious Banana Sheera right at home!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas (chopped) | 2 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Sooji (Semolina/Rava) | 1 cup |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Hot water | 1/2 cup |
| Jaggery | 1/4 cup |
| Ghee (for toasting) | 1/4 cup |
| Cashew nuts | 10 |
| Raisins | 10 |
| Saffron strands | 4 |
Preparation Time: 5 Minutes
Cooking Time: 20 Minutes
Total Time: 25 Minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Maharashtrian
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Instructions
-
Toast the Semolina (Sooji)
Begin by heating a flat tawa (griddle) over medium heat. Add the semolina to the tawa and dry-toast it, stirring constantly until it turns light brown. This step is crucial as it imparts a delicious nutty flavor to the semolina. Once done, set the semolina aside. -
Prepare the Banana Mixture
In a separate saucepan, add the milk, jaggery, hot water, cardamom pods, and chopped bananas. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture occasionally and let it come to a gentle boil. As the bananas soften, they will start releasing their natural sweetness into the liquid. Continue to cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the jaggery to dissolve completely. -
Add Toasted Semolina
Once the banana mixture has come to a boil, gradually add the toasted semolina to the saucepan. Make sure to keep stirring continuously to prevent any lumps from forming. The semolina will quickly absorb the liquid, and the mixture will start thickening. Continue to stir until it reaches a smooth and creamy consistency. -
Finish the Sheera
Turn off the heat and cover the pan. Let the sheera sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Prepare the Ghee and Nut Topping
In another pan, heat the ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the cashew nuts and raisins. Roast them until the cashew nuts turn golden brown and the raisins swell up. This adds a lovely crunch and sweetness to the sheera. -
Combine and Serve
Pour the hot ghee with cashews and raisins into the semolina mixture. Mix well to ensure the ghee and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the sheera. Garnish with a few strands of saffron for an added touch of flavor and color.Serve the Banana Sheera warm, either as a sweet dessert or paired with a savory dish like spicy upma for a fulfilling breakfast.
Tips for the Perfect Banana Sheera
- Bananas: Choose ripe bananas for the best sweetness and texture. Overripe bananas work wonders in this recipe as they blend easily into the pudding, enhancing the flavor.
- Jaggery Substitute: If you don’t have jaggery on hand, you can use brown sugar or coconut sugar as an alternative. However, jaggery gives a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
- Ghee: Ghee adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the sheera. If you prefer, you can use clarified butter or even coconut oil for a different taste.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thicker pudding, reduce the amount of water or milk. For a lighter texture, add a little extra milk to thin it out.
Banana Sheera is a simple yet indulgent dessert that brings together the comforting flavors of semolina and the natural sweetness of bananas. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a dessert after dinner, this recipe offers a perfect balance of taste and nutrition. Its rich, aromatic flavors combined with the crunch of roasted nuts and raisins will surely delight everyone who tries it.
