Kesari Bath /Shira

This is a very simple Indian dessert. You can use either one of the fruit here . Please don't add both :-). In tulu this dessert is called "shira".

• If you use banana the dessert is called "sapata bhaksha" 
• If you use pineapple , its called pineapple kesari bath .

Serves 4-5

Ingredients :

1 cup of semolina/couscous/sooji
3/4 cup of sugar
1 medium size banana chopped into tiny pieces/ 1/4 cup of chopped pieces of pineapple
1/2 tsp of cardamon powder
1 tbsp of chopped cashew nuts
1 tbsp of raisins
5-6 tbsp of ghee
1/4 cup of boiled milk (this has to be added along with water only if you are using banana,not pineapple)

How to Prepare?

• If you are using pineapple , cook the chopped pineapple until it becomes soft and keep it aside.
•  In a heavy bottomed pan . Add 2 tbsp of ghee,  fry cashew nuts and raisins in it and keep it aside.
• To the same pan , add semolina/couscous ,1 more tbsp of ghee and fry nicely until it becomes golden brown. (Keep the flame in low to avoid burning)
• Add 3 cups of hot water once you are done with roasting on top , and stir gently .Avoid lumps by continuous stir.
• After 5 mins , add sugar ,chopped banana or cooked pineapple (Again please don't add both...I have never tried that way !! , you can try and let me know :-)), remaining ghee and mix it well.
• close the lid and cook for about 5-6 mins or till it gets into consistency which is neither too watery nor too dry . Keep checking in between and add water if required.
• At last before switching off the flame add cardamom powder , roasted cashew nuts and raisins and mix it well .
• Serve hot and enjoy.

Note:

•  To get a nice color , few people will add food color which is not good for health . Instead you can use saffron/kesar which is soaked in 2-3 tsp of lukewarm milk .