Apple Sheera

Sheera or Kesari as it is popularly known is a delicious sweet dish which can be prepared within minutes if you have all the ingredients ready.I remember,at home it was a regular during Navrathri.Sundal of any kind and sheera was the usual combo.But I couldn't get the consistency of sheera right for a long time.Despite everyone telling me that it is one of the easiest sweet dish,I was wary of trying it out.

But as they say,once you conquer the fear then it becomes as easy as a pie.

I decided to pep up the sheera a bit after seeing the name in a Sangeetha restaurant.Now I have heard variations,but a sheera with Apple,that was new!I pulled back on the ghee a bit and hence the sheera was not as soft and melt in the mouth but delicious nevertheless with a delicate hint of Apple.


Apple Sheera


Ingredients


Rava - 1 cup(I used coarse grained Rava)
Sugar - 1 cup
Apple - 1 grated(I used with skin)
Water - 2 1/2 cups
Ghee - 3-4 tbsp
Cashewnuts - a handful
Raisins - a handful
Cardamom powder - 1 tsp


Method
 
In a thick bottomed kadai add 1 tbsp of ghee and roast the cashewnuts till golden brown.Drain and keep aside.In the same pan roast the raisins till the puff up and become golden,drain and keep aside.
 
Add another tbsp of ghee to the kadai and roast the rava for 5-7 minutes or till it becomes light brown in colour.
Meanwhile boil the water in a pan and keep aside.
 
Slowly mix in the hot water into the kadai and keep mixing.Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes or until all the water has been absorbed.Mix in the grated apple and stir well.
 
Add the sugar and mix well.Keep stirring till the mixture starts to form a single mass.Add ghee little by little to speed the process.
 
Mix in the cardamom powder and roasted cashewnuts and raisins.
Serve hot.


Notes

• The apple flavor is very delicate in this sheera,so add 2-3 apples for stronger flavor.
• Cutting back on the ghee results in a slightly firm sheera,but microwave for 30 seconds or till warm and it will become soft.