🥭 Mango Sheera Recipe: A Delicious Twist to Classic Sooji Halwa
Mango Sheera, also known as Mango Kesari, is a fruity and flavorful variation of the traditional Indian sheera or sooji halwa. Blending the richness of semolina (sooji) with the sweet tanginess of ripe mango pulp, this dessert is especially popular during festivals and summer seasons.
Whether you’re making it for a celebration or just craving something indulgent, mango sheera is a quick and satisfying sweet dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
📘 What is Mango Sheera?
Mango Sheera is an Indian dessert made by roasting semolina (rava/sooji) in ghee, then simmering it with mango pulp, sugar, and milk or water. It’s similar to the traditional kesari in South India or halwa in North India, but enhanced with the seasonal goodness of mangoes.
This dish is often prepared:
- During mango season (April to June)
- On festive occasions like Gudi Padwa or Ganesh Chaturthi
- As a quick sweet dish to serve guests
🍽️ Ingredients for Mango Sheera Recipe
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ripe Mango Pulp | 1 cup (fresh or canned) |
| Semolina (Rava) | ½ cup |
| Sugar | ½ cup (adjust to taste) |
| Ghee | 3-4 tbsp |
| Cardamom Powder | ¼ tsp |
| Cashews & Raisins | 2 tbsp (optional) |
| Water or Milk | 1.5 cups |
| Saffron (optional) | Few strands soaked in warm milk |
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🔸 Step 1: Prepare Mango Pulp
If using fresh mangoes, peel and chop 1–2 ripe mangoes and blend into a smooth pulp.
🔸 Step 2: Roast Semolina
Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add semolina and roast it on low-medium heat until it turns light golden and aromatic. Stir continuously to avoid burning.
🔸 Step 3: Add Cashews & Raisins
(Optional) Fry cashews and raisins in ghee until golden. Remove and keep aside for garnish.
🔸 Step 4: Add Liquid
Add hot water or milk slowly to the roasted semolina while stirring continuously. This prevents lumps.
🔸 Step 5: Mix in Mango Pulp & Sugar
Once the semolina absorbs the liquid, add mango pulp and sugar. Stir well and cook for 5–6 minutes until the mixture thickens.
🔸 Step 6: Flavor and Garnish
Add cardamom powder and saffron milk (if using). Mix well. Garnish with fried nuts and serve warm.
💡 Tips for Perfect Mango Sheera
- Use alphonso mangoes for the best flavor and color.
- Stir continuously to prevent lumps while adding liquid.
- Use ghee generously for a rich taste and smooth texture.
- If the sheera turns too thick, add a splash of warm milk to soften it.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
❌ Lumpy Sheera
Fix: Always add water/milk gradually while stirring to avoid lumps.
❌ Burnt Semolina
Fix: Roast on low heat and stir continuously. Don’t rush this step.
❌ Too Sweet or Too Bland
Fix: Taste and adjust sugar after adding mango pulp, since some mangoes are naturally very sweet.
🙋♀️ People Also Ask (FAQ)
❓ What is the difference between kesari and sheera?
Both Kesari and Sheera refer to semolina-based desserts. The main difference is regional terminology:
- Kesari is commonly used in South India, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Sheera is the name used in Maharashtra and North India.
The cooking method is nearly identical, though Kesari often includes orange food coloring, while sheera may not.
❓ How to prepare mango kesari?
Mango Kesari is made by:
- Roasting rava in ghee
- Adding hot milk/water
- Mixing in mango pulp and sugar
- Cooking until thick
- Flavoring with cardamom and garnishing with nuts
It’s the same as mango sheera, just another name.
❓ What is sheera made of?
Sheera is made of semolina (sooji/rava) roasted in ghee, then simmered with sugar and milk or water. It is flavored with cardamom and often garnished with dry fruits.
❓ How to make sheera by Sanjeev Kapoor?
Celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s sheera recipe follows a traditional method:
- Roast semolina in ghee.
- Use milk instead of water for richness.
- Add saffron and cardamom for aroma.
- Serve with generous garnishing of almonds and cashews.
His recipes often include a small amount of khoya or condensed milk for enhanced richness.
✅ Conclusion
Mango Sheera is the perfect blend of tradition and tropical flavor. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, this dessert brings a vibrant twist to your table—ideal for summer and celebrations. Whether you call it mango kesari or mango halwa, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Give it a try and let the mango magic melt in your mouth!
