Fruit Kesari with Jowar Rava

Looking for a different sheera or halwa recipe to make for the festival season? Then try this Jonna Rava Kesari with fruits. It is easy to make and tastes amazing served warm, at room temperature or even chilled.

I use jowar rava to make this millet kesari. But you can definitely make it with sooji or even wheat rava. Feel free to use any fruit you have on hand. A healthy and delicious kesari recipe that is sure to be a hit with everyone.

About the Recipe

Kesari, sheera, halwa are different names for the same Indian dessert. Depending on the region, the ingredients and method of making, might be slightly different. But in essence, these are creamy, sweet porridge.

The most traditional version of rava sheera uses either sooji/ semolina or godhuma rava or wheat rava. But in todays rava kesari recipe, I use jonna or jowar or sorghum rava. Recipe is from a Telugu cooking channel.

Jowar or sorghum is a healthy substitute to sooji. It gives a pleasant chewy texture to the dish. I love this millet/ whole grain twist to traditional sheera recipe.

Fruit kesari with mango, pineapple and even apple are quite popular. My version uses mixed fruit. I lightly sauté apple and pineapple in ghee and add to the final dish. This adds a beautiful fruity flavor and nice juicy bite to this rava ka halwa.

You can either mix in the sautéed fruit into the halwa or you can top it and serve. I usually stir in some into the kesari and then top with a few as garnish.

This rava sheera is not only a great dish to make as prasad or offering to god during festivals. But is also perfect as a delicious dessert any time of the year.

Ingredients

For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

Here are the ingredients you need to make this jonna rava sheera recipe:

• Jonna rava aka coarsely ground jowar or sorghum grain. It is easily available in most well stocked Indian grocery stores. You can substitute it with sooji rava or even godhuma rava.
• Milk - either dairy or non-dairy milk will work in this easy kesari recipe.
• Sugar - I use regular granulated sugar but jaggery will also work.
• Ghee - adds nuttiness and characteristic taste.
• Dry fruit - chopped almonds, cashews and raisins
• Ground cardamom & saffron

To make this fruit sheera, I add fresh chopped apple and pineapple. Canned pineapple slices or rings can also be used. Pomegranate arils add nice fruity burst on top.

Instructions

For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

Heat 1 tablespoon ghee in a pan on medium heat. Add cashews, almonds, raisins and cook till they are golden brown. Remove from the pan into a bowl and set aside.

In the same pan, add the apples and sauté for 2~3 minutes or until slightly golden. Add the chopped pineapple and cook for another 2~3 minutes. Remove into a bowl and set aside.

In the same pan, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons ghee. Add jowar rava and cook for 2~3 minutes or until it is lightly golden and fragrant. Add the water and milk, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and cook till rava is cooked through, about 10~15 minutes.

Add the sugar and cook till sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thickened. Stir in ground cardamom, saffron, sautéed fruit and dry fruit. Mix well and turn off the heat.

Serve warm or at room temperature or chilled topped with pomegranate arils.

Expert Tips

• You can make the this rava kesari recipe with sooji or wheat rava as well. Follow the recipe as is.
• You can make the jonna rava kesari in the Instant Pot or a pressure cooker. Cook for 8 minutes on High pressure/ Manual. Follow the instructions from this jonna rava upma recipe.
• Here are a few more fruit kesari ideas:
  • To make mango kesari, follow the recipe as written. In the last step add mango puree, either fresh or canned, and cook till the halwa thickens.
  • Pineapple kesari & apple kesari - cook till the fruit softens. Do not remove the fruit from the pan. Add rava and proceed with the recipe as written.
• Skip the fruit and make this halwa with just dry fruit.
• You can either mix in the sautéed fruit into the halwa or you can top it and serve. Or mix some and reserve some for garnish.
• Store leftover fruit rava kesari in an airtight container for 2 days.

You might also like

Here are a few more jowar recipes that you might like:

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Recipe Card