In summer, I usually look forward to pineapples going on sale. This recipe is adapted from my original sheera dish tried and enjoyed by many. To achieve a fruity flavour, the sheera is prepared with pineapple puree, which is first heated with sugar to get rid of the bitter after taste. A quick and easy delicious sweet dish, eaten for breakfast or in the evening with a hot cup of tea.
When choosing a pineapple, use your three senses; sight, smell and touch. Go for the ones that are heavy, plump and golden without any bruises or spots. Smell the bottom to check if it is fragrant. If it smells vinegary, then the fruit is sour. Finally, touch for firmness and pick one or two leaves in the centre. If they come off easily, then the fruit is ripe.
Pineapple is a tropical fruit, loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes that promote a healthy digestive system. Low in calories and sodium with no saturated fats or cholesterol. An excellent source of antioxidant, vitamin C and B-complex groups of vitamins. The fruit boost metabolism, defends the body from harmful free radicals, nourishes the skin, hair, nails and teeth. Due to its high carbohydrate content and glycemic index, diabetics should consume this fruit with caution.
When choosing a pineapple, use your three senses; sight, smell and touch. Go for the ones that are heavy, plump and golden without any bruises or spots. Smell the bottom to check if it is fragrant. If it smells vinegary, then the fruit is sour. Finally, touch for firmness and pick one or two leaves in the centre. If they come off easily, then the fruit is ripe.
Pineapple is a tropical fruit, loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber and enzymes that promote a healthy digestive system. Low in calories and sodium with no saturated fats or cholesterol. An excellent source of antioxidant, vitamin C and B-complex groups of vitamins. The fruit boost metabolism, defends the body from harmful free radicals, nourishes the skin, hair, nails and teeth. Due to its high carbohydrate content and glycemic index, diabetics should consume this fruit with caution.
   |    |
Pineapple Sheera
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups semolina
1 cup fresh pineapple puree
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup warm milk with few saffron strands
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 cup melted ghee
1/4 cup each of cashewnuts and raisins
a pinch of salt
Method:
Roast semolina on a low flame till light brown and until you begin to smell the roasted aroma. Please take time to roast it well or else sheera will lump up when you add the puree and milk. Keep roasted semolina aside in a bowl.
Heat pineapple puree with sugar for a couple of minutes. This will get rid of the bitter after taste.
On medium heat, melt ghee in a pan and toast cashewnuts and raisins. Then put in the roasted semolina and mix it well with the ghee. Add salt and cardamom powder. Turn the flame to the lowest setting, pour in the puree and warm saffron milk. Stir continuously till all the milk is absorbed and semolina puffed and cooked.
To serve, spoon sheera directly into bowls or lightly grease a round container with melted ghee, fill tightly with sheera, upturn and unmould.
Note:
(Serves 6)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups semolina
1 cup fresh pineapple puree
1/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup warm milk with few saffron strands
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
1/4 cup melted ghee
1/4 cup each of cashewnuts and raisins
a pinch of salt
Method:
Roast semolina on a low flame till light brown and until you begin to smell the roasted aroma. Please take time to roast it well or else sheera will lump up when you add the puree and milk. Keep roasted semolina aside in a bowl.
Heat pineapple puree with sugar for a couple of minutes. This will get rid of the bitter after taste.
On medium heat, melt ghee in a pan and toast cashewnuts and raisins. Then put in the roasted semolina and mix it well with the ghee. Add salt and cardamom powder. Turn the flame to the lowest setting, pour in the puree and warm saffron milk. Stir continuously till all the milk is absorbed and semolina puffed and cooked.
To serve, spoon sheera directly into bowls or lightly grease a round container with melted ghee, fill tightly with sheera, upturn and unmould.
Note:
- If desired, pieces of pineapple can be heated with the puree for texture.
- For Sheera or Sweet Rava recipe, click here.
- Substitute pineapple puree with mango puree. Blend pieces of mango (without the skin) using a hand blender until smooth. Strain and use, no need to heat with sugar. Sheera was absolutely delicious!!!
