Rava Laddu

Rava or Semolina Laddu is a common after meals sweets in south & western India.Its quite common in Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra and is associated with Janmashtami celebrations.
This is supposedly a low calorie dish though its difficult to ascertain how any sweet can be low on cal.

Here is my recipe..

Prep Time : - 3 - 4 mins & Cooking time - 10 - 15 mins

Rava or Semolina flour  - 2 cups

Grated Coconut - 1 cup

Butter - 1 tbsp
Milk - 1 cup
Sugar - 1/2 cup - 1 cup ( depending on how much of a sweet tooth u are)
Cardomom powder - 1 tsp
Cashews and raisins - 1 tsp each

Heat the butter in a kadai and add the cashews & raisins. Add the rava flour and stir it well for about 5 mins. Add the grated coconut and keep stirring it well till the moisture in the coconut drains off. Meanwhile heat milk. Once milk has boiled, add sugar to the milk and stir well. When the coconut and rava starts to change color ( a  light off white color) add the milk and cardomom powder. If requried vanilla essence can also be added for an additional flavor. Mix well , so that there is a thick consistency to the dough. Let it cool for about 2- 3 mins and start making small round laddy with your hands. Try and insert one raisin / cashew nut into each laddu.

This can be stored in the refrigerator for about 1 week.