from Geeta Inamdar

These two “sweet treat” recipes were generously shared with us by Geeta Inamdar, who has been coming to the ashram with her husband and children for years — her daughter is a graduate of the Sivananda Teacher Training Course!

Masala Chai (makes 2 cups)

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup milk
2 tsp Indian loose-leaf tea OR 2 bags of black tea
1 inch fresh ginger root
2 cardamom pods
2 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
sugar to taste

Directions

Grind ginger, cardamom seeds, and cloves to release flavors. Bring liquid to a boil. Reduce heat, stirring in tea, spice mixture, cinnamon stick, and sugar. Cover and simmer for 3 minutes. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and serve. Enjoy!

Sheera (also known as Sooji Halwa)

Ingredients

1 cup cream of wheat
1/2 cup ghee
1/2 cup water + 1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar 
1/2 cup raisins

Directions

Roast the cream of wheat in ghee over low to medium heat until lightly toasted, about 5-7 minutes, making sure not to burn. You will get a nice aroma which means it is done. 

While stirring continuously to avoid lumps from forming, slowly add the milk and water mixture a little at a time.

Blend in the sugar and raisins until the mixture reaches the consistency of porridge.

Pour into a flat dish and allow to cool.

Cut into diamond shapes. Sprinkle with crushed nuts (unsalted pistachios or slivered almonds) and serve.

Still Hungry? Find more recipes here.