Satyanarayan Puja Sheera

Satyanarayan Puja Sheera Recipe: A Classic Indian Dessert

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Satyanarayan Puja Sheera is a traditional Indian dessert made during the Satyanarayan Puja ceremony, a Hindu ritual performed to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu. This sweet and aromatic dish is made with semolina, milk, ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom powder and bananas.

History

Satyanarayan Puja Sheera has been a staple dish in Hindu households for generations, especially during auspicious occasions like weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. It is believed that offering this sweet dish to the deity brings prosperity and good fortune to the family.

Ingredients

1.25 cups of semolina (rava or sooji)
1.25 cups of milk
1.25 cups of clarified butter (ghee)
2 tbsp of raisins, soaked in water for 2 hours
0.5 tsp of cardamom powder
5 chopped bananas
1.25 cups of sugar

How to prepare

Roast the rava in ghee until it becomes aromatic.
Heat the milk and reduce the flame.
Add the roasted rava, chopped bananas, sugar, and mix well.
Garnish with raisins and cardamom powder.

Variations

Add saffron strands for a rich golden color and exotic flavor.
Use jaggery instead of sugar for a healthier alternative.
Mix in chopped nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios for added texture and crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Roast the semolina in ghee on low heat to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.

- Use ripe bananas for a natural sweetness and creamy texture.

- Stir continuously while adding milk to avoid lumps in the sheera.

- Garnish with nuts like almonds and cashews for added crunch and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Satyanarayan Puja Sheera warm as a dessert after a traditional Indian meal or as a sweet offering during religious ceremonies. Pair it with a cup of masala chai for a comforting and satisfying treat.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the semolina in ghee enhances its nutty flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.

- Slowly adding warm milk to the roasted semolina helps create a smooth and creamy texture in the sheera.

- Stirring continuously while cooking the sheera prevents lumps and ensures even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use coconut oil or butter as a substitute for ghee.

- Replace semolina with cornmeal or cream of wheat for a different texture.

- Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.

Make Ahead Tips

Satyanarayan Puja Sheera can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Satyanarayan Puja Sheera with silver vark (edible silver leaf), chopped nuts, and dried rose petals for an elegant and festive presentation. Serve in traditional Indian brass or silver bowls for an authentic touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Enjoy Satyanarayan Puja Sheera with a cup of hot masala chai or herbal tea for a comforting and satisfying dessert experience. It also pairs well with savory snacks like samosas or pakoras for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Satyanarayan Puja Sheera in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Satyanarayan Puja Sheera contains approximately 300-350 calories, making it a calorie-dense dessert. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Satyanarayan Puja Sheera is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing energy to the body for daily activities. The semolina and sugar in this dish contribute to the carbohydrate content.

Fats

Ghee is the main source of fat in this recipe, providing a rich and buttery flavor to the sheera. It adds a decadent touch to the dish and enhances its overall taste.

Proteins

While Satyanarayan Puja Sheera is not a significant source of protein, the milk used in the recipe adds a small amount of this essential nutrient. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Bananas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. These nutrients help support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (milk) and nuts (if used as garnish), which may be allergens for some individuals. Be mindful of any food allergies or sensitivities when preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Satyanarayan Puja Sheera is a delicious and indulgent dessert that provides a good source of carbohydrates and fats. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat due to its high calorie content.

Summary

Satyanarayan Puja Sheera is a traditional Indian dessert made with semolina, milk, ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom powder and bananas. This sweet and aromatic dish is perfect for special occasions and religious ceremonies, offering a rich and indulgent treat for the whole family to enjoy.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was during a visit to my friend's house for a Satyanarayan Puja, a Hindu ritual that involves the worship of Lord Vishnu. As we sat down to eat the prasad, I was blown away by the delicious aroma of the Sheera that was being served. It was a sweet and fragrant semolina pudding, studded with nuts and dried fruits. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make it.

I asked my friend's mother for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She explained that the key to a good Satyanarayan Puja Sheera lies in the technique - you have to roast the semolina just right, and be patient as you add the sugar and ghee. She also told me that the Sheera is traditionally made as an offering to Lord Vishnu during the puja, and is then distributed to the devotees as prasad.

I was determined to master this recipe, so I went home and set to work. I gathered all the ingredients - semolina, sugar, ghee, milk, nuts, and dried fruits - and got to roasting the semolina. I followed my friend's mother's instructions carefully, and soon enough, my kitchen was filled with the sweet and spicy aroma of the Sheera.

As I stirred the pot, I thought about all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some had been passed down from my mother and grandmother, while others I had picked up from friends, neighbors, and even strangers. Each recipe had a story behind it, a memory that I could cherish every time I made it.

Just then, my husband walked into the kitchen and asked what I was making. When I told him it was Satyanarayan Puja Sheera, he smiled and said he couldn't wait to try it. I served him a bowl of the warm pudding, garnished with nuts and dried fruits, and watched as he took his first bite. His eyes lit up with delight, and I knew that I had successfully mastered yet another recipe.

Over the years, I have made Satyanarayan Puja Sheera countless times, for family gatherings, festivals, and even just as a special treat for my loved ones. Each time I make it, I think back to that first time I saw the recipe and how it had captivated me. I am grateful for all the people who have shared their recipes with me, and for all the memories that I have created in my kitchen.

As I sit down to write this story, I can't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, and each recipe that I learn is like a treasure that I can pass down to future generations. I hope that one day, my grandchildren will learn to make Satyanarayan Puja Sheera, and that they will remember the story of how their grandmother first discovered this delicious recipe.