Pineapple Kesari "Sweetened Pineapple Semolina"

I am not an expert when it comes to making traditional Indian sweets. I have been told by mom and a few others that I don't have "the hand" for making Palagaaram. All I know is Kesari Bhath, Kheer/Payasam and a few Halwa/Halva. I am yet to try the most popular sweet item "Gulab Jamun". But what I do know is to eat them well. :). Well, here is my Pineapple Kesari recipe for the New BM: Theme-Indian Sweets and for Father's Day 2012..


Ingredients:

1 Cup Sooji/Cream of Wheat

1 Cup Pureed Pineapple ( I used "Dole" Pineapple chunks in Juice)

1-1/2 Cups Skimmed Milk

1-1/2 Cups Water

1/2 to 1 Cup Pineapple Juice

1 to 1-1/2 Cups Sugar

1/2 Cup + 1 Tbsp Ghee/Clarified Butter

1/8 Cup Cashew (roughly chopped)

2 Tbsp Golden Raisins

Yellow Coloring Optional

Procedure:

• Fry the nuts and raisins in a tbsp of ghee until the nuts turn light brown. Set aside.

• In a wide non-stick pan, melt the ghee.

• Add the Sooji and fry for 2-3 minutes. Pour the milk, water and cook the Sooji/Semolina. Keep stirring now and then to avoid any clumps.

• Once the mixture thicken slightly, add the pureed pineapple.

• Stir till the mixture thickens.

• Finally add the pineapple juice, sugar, fried nuts and raisins.

• Cook till the mixture thickens and is slightly goopy. Let is rest for about 10-15 minutes. 

• Using the ice-cream scoop, divide the warm mixture into small portions and serve warm or cold. Either way it tastes fabulous.

A similar recipe:
Strawberry-Cocoa Kesari:

Enjoy! 
Check out the Blogging Marathon page for the other Blogging Marathoners doing BM#17