Meena's Taste Mantra

Pineapple Kesari | Pineapple Semolina Halwa

I guess Amma is totally in the Meena's Taste Mantra mode...a welcome surprise that today's Friday pujai she has made the tasty Pineapple Kesari with her own healthy twists! Really mouthwatering...and took sheer will power to restrain myself from digging in till I capture this for the visual delight of all of YOU!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup Rava | Semolina

2 cups Water
1/4 cup Pineapple, finely diced into small cubes
A pinch Haldi | Turmeric Powder

1 cup Sugar (if you prefer a bit less sweetness, 3/4 cup would suffice)

1/2 cup Ghee | Clarified Butter

2 cups Water

5 Black Raisin
5 Golden Raisin
5 Cashewnuts

METHOD

Take a frying pan and add 1 tblsp of ghee. When the ghee is warm or melted, add the rava and roast till it releases a nice aroma. This normally would take about 3 to 5 minutes.
Transfer the roasted rava to a bowl.
In the same frying pan, add water, haldi and sugar.
When the sugar melts and the syrup comes to just a boil, add the roasted rava and 3/4 th of the pineapple cubes, slowly, stirring continuously so that no lumps form.
After the rava has been added, incorporate the remaining ghee and mix well.
Add the raisins and nuts and mix well.
Keep stirring, till the kesari starts leaving the sides and becoming thick in consistency.
Once the kesari consistency is arrived, switch off the gas.
Transfer into a serving bowl.
Garnish with few fresh diced Pineapple pieces and serve it hot.

Pineapple Kesari is a common Breakfast Item in SouthIndian weddings. This can be made as prasad for any puja. During Navratri, Pineapple Kesari can be made and shared with near and dear ones. We do hope this dish brings in all the sweetness in your life!! Enjoy...

Note:
Amma prefers to use organic colors rather than the synthetic ones...hence to give the pineapple colour, she has added just a tad bit of Haldi | Turmeric Powder. This in no way affects the final taste of the kesari which is so tempting and yummy!

We have used:
1. Homemade Ghee | Clarified Butter

About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.