Pineapple Sheera Recipe
25 min
2-3 People
15 min
Pineapple Sheera Recipe by Chef Ajay Chopra
Introduction
Hi, fellow foodies! It is Chef Ajay Chopra, and I am excited to bring this recipe to you and celebrate the joy that children bring into our lives. On this special Children's Day, let me share a treat that is close to my heart: Pineapple Sheera. The smell of my mom's halwa takes me back to the kitchen right away. Today, I am sharing my Pineapple Sheera recipe, which is a mix of rich and tropical flavours. Let's learn how to make this irrestistible recipe!
Pineapple Sheera Recipe
Portions serving: 3-4 pax
Preparation time: 15 mins
Cooking time: 25 mins
Calories: 281 cal per portion
Ingredients:
- 3-4 tsp Ghee
- 1 Cup Semolina
- 2-3 tsp Almonds
- 2-2 tsp Cashew Nuts
- 1 cup Sugar Syrup
- 1 Cup chopped Pineapple
- 1 cup Pineapple Puree
- 1/2 tsp Saffron
Method:
1. Roasting Semolina:
- Heat some ghee in a pot or pan over medium heat.
- Add the semolina to the pan and roast it until it turns slightly golden brown. The roasting process will enhance the flavor and texture of the semolina.
2. Removing the Roasted Semolina:
- Once the semolina is roasted to a golden color, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a separate bowl. This will prevent the semolina from overcooking and becoming too dark.
3. Roasting Almonds and Cashew Nuts:
- In the same pan, add 2 tsp of ghee and allow it to melt.
- Add the almonds and cashew nuts to the pan and roast them until they turn golden brown. The roasted nuts will add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
4. Mixing the Ingredients:
- Add the roasted semolina back into the pan with the roasted almonds and cashew nuts.
- Pour in the sugar syrup, along with the chopped pineapple and pineapple puree, to the pan. The pineapple will add a sweet and tangy taste to the sheera.
5. Infusing with Saffron:
- Crush the saffron strands slightly to release their color and flavor.
- Add the crushed saffron to the pan, giving the sheera a beautiful bright yellow hue and a distinct saffron aroma.
6. Cooking the Pineapple Sheera:
- Allow the mixture to cook and simmer over low heat. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- The pineapple sheera will thicken, and the flavors will meld together as it cooks.
7. Determining the Readiness:
- The sheera is ready when its color becomes a vibrant bright yellow or saffron, and the semolina has absorbed the flavors of the pineapple and saffron.
8. Serving the Pineapple Sheera:
- The pineapple sheera can be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. If serving it hot, transfer it to a serving dish and enjoy it immediately.
- If serving it cold, allow it to cool down to room temperature and then refrigerate it until ready to serve.
About Pineapple Sheera
The golden semolina, roasted in Taruvar ghee, makes you think of those lazy mornings we had as a child. The roasted cashews and almonds give it the perfect crunch, and the chunks and puree of pineapple add a burst of sweetness and tanginess. Adding saffron, and sugar syrup makes this dessert rich and satisfying, and each bite is a moment to savour.
Cooking Tips
- Perfect Roasting: To make semolina perfectly golden brown, roast it slowly in fragrant ghee.
- Nuts' Delight: Roast the almonds and cashews separately to get the right crunch and nutty taste.
- Saffron Magic: Break up the saffron strands to get a bright colour and a strong smell.
- Sugar Syrup Symphony: Slowly adding sugar syrup will help you get the right level of sweetness in the sheera.
Pairing Guide
Enjoy your Pineapple Sheera with these complementary dishes:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing for a creamy contrast to the warm sheera.
- Coconut Ladoo: Feel like you are in the tropics with a small coconut treat.
FAQs about Pineapple Sheera
Q1: Can I use regular ghee instead of Taruvar ghee? A: Absolutely! Use your preferred ghee for roasting, but the unique fragrance of Taruvar ghee adds an extra layer of nostalgia.
Q2: Is it necessary to roast cashews and almonds separately? A: Yes, roasting them separately ensures the perfect texture and nutty flavor in the sheera.
Q3: Can I use canned pineapple for convenience? A: Certainly! Canned pineapple works well; just ensure it's drained properly before use.
Q4: What's the significance of adding saffron? A: Saffron adds a touch of luxury with its vibrant color and unique aroma, elevating the sheera.
Q5: Can I make Pineapple Sheera without sugar syrup? A: While sugar syrup enhances sweetness, you can adjust it based on your taste preferences.
Q6: Can I refrigerate and reheat Pineapple Sheera? A: Absolutely! Enjoy it hot or cold – refrigerate and reheat as desired.
Q7: How do I know when the sheera is ready? A: The sheera is ready when it achieves a vibrant saffron color, and the semolina has absorbed the flavors.
Q8: Can I add more nuts for extra crunch? A: Feel free to customize; more nuts can add an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
Q9: Can I serve Pineapple Sheera with any other desserts? A: Vanilla ice cream or coconut ladoo complements the sheera beautifully for a delightful combo.
Q10: Can I make a larger batch for a gathering? A: Certainly! Adjust quantities accordingly, keeping the sheera-to-nut ratio balanced.
Enjoy Pineapple Sheera's magic and make sweet memories with every bite of this tropical treat.