Happy Navratri / Dasara to all who celebrate!!
Today happens to be Durgashtami, the eighth day of the auspicious Navaratri, a 10 day long festival which we celebrate. Traditionally Sweet Pongal is offered to the Goddess Mother Durga. But as per my little one's request I had to prepare this Pineapple Kesari instead.
This humble offering (Naivedyam) to the Goddess was a delight in itself!! The pineapple flavored kesari was a super hit with the kids too.
Semolina / Sooji / Bombay Rava 1 cup
Pineapple bits 1 cup (I used canned pineapple with a little of juice too)
Milk 2 cups (water or diluted milk can be substituted too)
Sugar 3/4 cup
Ghee / Clarified Butter 3 Tbsp
Cardamom Powder 1 tsp
Salt a pinch
Saffron few strands
Dried Nuts as required for garnish ( I used Almonds, Pista and Raisins)
Note -
*I tend to use Milk for the Halwa whereas usage of water is the norm. So use as per preference.
*Keep in mind that when using pineapple and milk together, the milk might curdle but trust me there won't be any difference in taste.
*The ratio of Sooji, Water/Milk and Ghee is a personal preference and I try to minimize the usage of ghee and sugar and this worked out perfect for us.
Method Of Preparation -
In a heavy bottomed pan (I prefer a non stick pan), add a tablespoon of ghee and roast the Rava/Sooji until it turns golden brown in color and becomes aromatic. Set aside and let it cool down.
In the same non stick pan, heat milk (or water if using), salt, pineapple and sugar. Add in a tablespoon of ghee and cardamom powder. Let it boil until the pineapple bits are cooked enough. (About 8-10 minutes)
Soak the saffron strands in a teaspoon of milk and set aside.
When the pineapple is cooked well enough, slowly sprinkle the roasted rava/sooji while mixing well so there are no lumps formed. Add the saffron strands soaked in milk.
Mix vigorously for a couple of minutes and pour the remaining ghee (about 1 tablespoon) and let the sooji/rava cook.
Cook until the halwa comes together as a single mass. Garnish as per preference. I grated almonds and pista for garnish.
I offered Naivedyam to the Goddess and the kids devoured with absolute delight!!
Serve warm or cold as per preference.
Linking it to Denny's 'Serve it - Festival Potluck' hosted by Krithi.
Preparation Time 30 min
Makes 2 cups
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delicious looking flavours with pineapple
super like!! yummy!
Looks so yum and delightful ...lovely pic
Extremely delightful post Harini.I have completely enjoyed the way you presented Kesari.Happy Navrathri to you and family.
very interesting recipe. Never thought of boiling pineapples in milk with salt. I guess, the curdled milk taste like paneer in halwa. I will try this method for sure !
nice decor and I love pineapple flavored sheera
Happy Dusshera to you also.
Halwa with pineapple flavored sounds so delicious and you have presented it very nicely.
The kesari looks awesome, loved the addition of pineapple. Drooling!!
the halwa looks absolutely lip smacking..
Mouthwatering kesari..I love this version of sheera with pineapple for intense flavor :)
Prathima Rao
Prats Corner
very new recipe to me.. love to try soon..
Beautiful divine festive presentation. :)
Fantastic presentation..
Krithi's Kitchen
Event: Serve It - Festival Potluck
wow, that looks super delicious, I love pineapple kesari the best of all other kesaris :)
Beautiful presentation, love this kesari very much..super like..
Super like!!! Happy Navratri to you too.
Cheers,
Uma
perfect kesari!!yummy!
yummy pineapple kesari and a different way to make it!
I just loved your clicks!
Delicious halwa..I use to have it when I was in Bangalore & missed it all these days.. Thank u for sharing.