Pooja Sapaath and Paanak

Pooja Sapaath and Paanak, a delicious suji/semolina/rava sheera or Indian pudding, with just ghee, sugar, milk and bananas, and a refreshing lemon, jaggery and ginger drink; traditionally made during prayer rituals or poojas/pujas by Hindus called “Prasad”

I have been wanting to share this super delicious recipe of Sapaath with all of you and now is the time! Made this some time ago, but today being "RamNavami", the birthday of Lord Rama, the Hindu God , I decided to make a Pooja sheera called "Sapaath" as Lord Rama is the incarnation or avatar of Lord Vishnu!

Not only that, it is my mother's 84th birthday!! Happy Birthday Mom!

NOW, WHAT IS PRASAD?

During any Hindu pooja/prayer ritual, we make an offering of some sweet/dessert or even savory dishes to our Gods. Once offered to the Gods during puja, it is distributed to all the devotees as a “prasad” or blessing.

But during Satyanarayana Pooja/Puja (the worship of Lord Vishnu, also called Satyanarayan), the Konkani community of Mangalore (southern part of India), always makes Sapaath!

SAPAATH OR BANANA SHEERA:

This sweet and delicious ghee laden offering is like any other semolina pudding Indians make but traditionally, cardamom powder is omitted and finely chopped bananas are added.

I remember, during this puja, growing up, everyone; neighbors, family, friends were invited, and Sapaath was made in a huge vessel or pan! Once the puja was completed and the offering was done to Lord Vishnu/Satyanarayana; small spoonfuls of this Prasad was distributed to everyone and we accepted it in our bare hands although now, it is either served on dinner thalis or packed in banana leaves and distributed! It is one of the tastiest prasads I have ever eaten.

Today April 2, 2020 being Ramnavami (birthday of Lord Rama) and also my mother's birthday, making this delicious banana sheera or "Sapaath" as it is called, to celebrate both their birthdays!

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR POOJA SAPAATH and PAANAK:

The basic ingredients for sapaath are some things already in everyone’s pantry:

Ghee/Clarified Butter – no substitution for this in sapaath please; I don't think adding oil can justify the taste of this scrumptiousness and ghee is the one always offered to God! You can use homemade or store bought ghee.

Semolina/suji/rava – you can use the semolina used in upma, a savory Indian pudding.

Sugar – traditionally, only white sugar is used. But if you want to make it healthier, you may use jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) instead. I have powdered the sugar but you can use granulated sugar too.

Bananas – this is a must! Fully ripe bananas are the best. Finely chop before stirring into the sapaath.

Just roast semolina in melted ghee, add bananas and milk and cook. Stir in sugar and stir until fully incorporated until the mixture turns thick and oozing with ghee!

That is it!

But if you want to make it your own and add more oomph, feel free to stir in ghee roasted nuts, raisins and a dash of cardamom powder like you would in any Indian dessert/sweet.

Made this for Ramnavami and to celebrate my mother's birthday! Instead of white sugar, I used jaggery (same amount) for a healthier option and we loved it!

FOR PAANAK:

Jaggery (unrefined cane sugar) - available in Indian stores or online. Please do not substitute plain sugar.

Fresh ginger or ginger powder

Black pepper powder

Lemon or lime juice

Doesn’t this look and sound delicious, divine and easy to make?

UPDATED APRIL 21, 2021:

It is Ramanavami again and had to make Sapaath today. To add to the festivities and as Paanak is also made on Ramnavami, rustled up a jug too.

Just boil 1 litre of water with 1 cup jaggery, 1 1/2 tsp black pepper powder, 1 large chunk of ginger, grated for 5 minutes.

Cool, chill, add lemon or lime juice, strain and serve. This Paanak has all the elements you need to cool you down in the scorching summer heat. so do not restrict yourself to making this only for Ramnavami.

Do make this during your next puja or if you are craving for a quick and easy Indian dessert and/or a refreshing Indian drink; you will not be disappointed!

Enjoy and Happy Cooking!

Here are some easier to make Indian desserts you may like:

• Lauki/Bottle Gourd Halwa
• Sweet Pongal
• Quinoa Payasam
• Vegan Lauki Kheer
• Mango Sheera  to name some

Now, let us make some Sapaath or Banana Sheera:

Step-wise method to make Sapaath:

Heat ghee in a deep saucepan and once melted totally, add the semolina; mix well.

Fry on medium heat, stirring continuously until the semolina is well roasted and emanates a lovely aroma; about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the chopped bananas and fry again for a few seconds.

Stir in milk (preferably hot) and stir well, making sure to mix continuously to avoid any lumps.

Once the semolina has cooked, add the regular sugar or powdered sugar and mix well.

Cover and let cook on low for a few minutes.

You will notice the ghee separating and the whole mixture becomes a semi-liquid state. Now, the sapaath is done!

Offer to the Lord during pujas and then consume or if making on any other day, enjoy when soft and oozing with ghee or if allowed to sit, all the ghee is absorbed and then dig in!

Enjoy and Happy Cooking!

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