Semiya Kesari - Vermicelli Halwa

Semiya Kesari/Vermicelli Halwa is one of the sweets that not everyone knows about. When I make it for some guests or for some potluck parties, I had seen people get surprised. But trust me it’s just a “Sweet Surprise”, because this kesari taste so good and is such a treat for the eyes too.

This recipe takes less time and effort compared to Rava Kesari, especially if you have the “Roasted Vermicelli” packet. I always buy and store the Bambino – Roasted Vermicelli packet as it helps me with quick dinner, breakfast or sweet. This recipe calls for less sugar and ghee, but is so rich in taste.

Last week when I was getting ready to go for one my friend’s house, I offered to bring some dessert. Since it was a last minute plan, she asked me to make something very simple. Immediately I thought of making semiya kesari and since I had some left over pineapple slices. I thought I will make Pineapple Semiya Kesariand here is the recipeJ

Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups Roasted vermicelli/Semiya

1 and ½ cup of sugar

2 and ½ cup of water

2 tablespoon ghee

1 cup pineapple chunks (cut into bite size pieces)

2 tablespoon cashews

2 tablespoon raisins

3 cardamom pods crushed

Pinch of yellow/orange food color

If you don’t have roasted semiya, then take extra 1 tablespoon ghee (to the measurement given above) and roast the plain semiya until they turn golden, otherwise skip this step and start from the next step.

Take a heavy bottom/non-stick pan and add 1 tablespoon ghee and roast the cashews and raisins until they turn golden. Then remove them from the pan and add the pineapple chunks and roast them for about 2 minutes.

Once the pineapple pieces are also roasted remove them from the pan. Now add the water and let it come to a boil, then add the semiya and cook until all the water is absorbed. Add the sugar and the food color and keep stirring at regular intervals.

When the kesari starts leaving the sides of the pan and looks glossy/shiny, add the remaining one tablespoon of ghee, the pineapple chunks, cashews, raisins and the crushed cardamom powder. Mix them well and remove from the flame.

Serve hot or at room temperature.

This is really a very very easy and tasty recipe. So the next time you want to fix a quick dessert just make this “Semiya Kesari” then you will know what I meanJ

Also the pineapple chunks are just optional and you can make this without pineapple.

-- Sang V