Banana Halwa or Banana Sheera is delish sweet pudding made with semolina or cream of wheat, bananas, sugar, dry fruits and is often made as a prasad for Ganesh Puja, Satyanarayan Puja, Devi Puja or for any auspicious occasion.
Heat ghee or oil in a kadai or pan. Add roasted semolina and on low to medium-low heat roast for 2 to 3 minutes, till the semolina starts getting fragrant. Don't brown the semolina.
Add chopped bananas and stir.
Add hot water or milk in batches and mix thoroughly after adding every batch of either the hot milk or water. This ensures that lumps are not formed. Take care when adding the hot liquids as the rava mixture splutters.
Add the chopped almonds or cashews and raisins and cardamom powder.
Add sugar and stir to mix thoroughly until sugar is dissolved. Simmer the Banana Halwa for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the saffron. Stir and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes more.
Serve Banana Halwa hot or warm.
Notes
I have used pre-made roasted rava to make the banana sheera. If using un-roasted raw rava or suji, then roast on low heat for about 7 to 8 minutes or till the rava granules look crisp and have a nice aroma.
Add your choice of nuts and dry fruits to the recipe.
You can use either water or milk to make the banana halwa. Make sure the water or milk is hot when you add it to the roasted rava.
For a smooth and richer halwa, opt to add more ghee if you prefer.
This recipe can be easily scaled to make a small batch or a big batch.