Mango Rava Payasam (Alphonso Mango & Semolina Pudding Recipe)

Continuing my war time stories about the great depression in India the conditions people had to face and the amazing innovative recipes people created with less ingredients is still famous and most relished traditional dishes. 

Semolina or rava was a staple ingredient during the great depression. According to Mavalli Tiffin Rooms during World War II, when rice, which is the staple item used in idli, was in short supply, they experimented in making idli using semolina and created rava idli. Likewise many desserts with absolutely no milk or ghee was prepared with semolina. A famous dessert or pudding created during this era was rava payasam. A humble pudding with less ingredients packed with flavours was a staple dish prepared during festivals.

Normally in rava payasam only cardamom is used, Since it is mango season I have added mango puree. Mango puree is available in tubs online through out the year we can use it for this recipe. 

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Ingredients:
1 Cup Fine Semolina / Bombay Rava
1 Cup Sugar
2 Cup Alphonso Mango or Raspuri Mango Puree
1 Tbsp Cardamom Powder
2 Cups Water
1 Tbsp Ghee or Vegetable Fat or Coconut oil
1/4 Tsp Salt
Garnish: Chopped Nuts (Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios), Alphonso Mango Pieces or Cherry, Saffron Strands. 

Method:
Heat a wok on medium flame. Add two cups water and bring to rapid boil.

Add one tbsp ghee and stir the water. Keep stirring the water continuously and add semolina, stir well to avoid lumps.

Add sugar and cardamom powder stir well.

Add the mango puree in small batches and stir well.

Cook the mango and semolina on medium flame for 5 minutes on low flame.

Once the semolina has cooked it will double in volume, remove from flame...garnish with mango pieces, chopped nuts and saffron strands and serve hot...Enjoy😊

To prepare all vegan pudding avoid ghee and use vegetable fat, coconut oil or refined oil. Semolina is a very easy to digest ingredient and is healthy for babies, we prepare similar dishes for elderly people and babies who are starting solid food.