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Welcome to a culinary journey that promises to tantalize your taste buds and keep you longing for more. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of semolina balls, a versatile and delightful treat that can be enjoyed as a dessert or a savory snack. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring that your semolina balls turn out perfect every time. So, sit back, relax, and let’s embark on this delicious adventure together.
Introduction to Semolina Balls
Semolina, also known as suji or rava, is a coarse flour made from durum wheat. It’s a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world, from Indian and Middle Eastern to Mediterranean and European. Semolina’s unique texture and nutty flavor make it an ideal base for a variety of dishes, and semolina balls are a perfect example of its versatility.
Semolina balls can be sweet or savory, and they can be flavored with a myriad of ingredients, including spices, herbs, nuts, and dried fruits. Whether you’re looking to make a quick snack, a festive dessert, or a special treat for your loved ones, semolina balls are a fantastic choice. In this article, we’ll cover both sweet and savory versions, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make semolina balls.
Ingredients for Sweet Semolina Balls
Semolina (suji/rava): 1 cup
Sugar: 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
Ghee (clarified butter): 1/4 cup
Milk: 1 cup
Cardamom powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Saffron strands: A pinch (optional)
Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios): 1/4 cup
Raisins: 1/4 cup
Desiccated coconut: 1/4 cup (optional)
Ingredients for Savory Semolina Balls
Semolina (suji/rava): 1 cup
Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
Green chilies: 2, finely chopped
Ginger: 1-inch piece, finely chopped
Curry leaves: A few, chopped
Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
Urad dal (split black gram): 1 teaspoon
Ghee or oil: 2 tablespoons
Water: 2 cups
Salt: To taste
Freshly chopped coriander leaves: 2 tablespoons
Equipment
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Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai: For roasting the semolina and cooking the mixture.
Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
Spatula: For stirring the mixture.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
Mortar and pestle: For crushing the cardamom (if using whole pods).
Small saucepan: For heating the milk (sweet version) or water (savory version).
Serving plates or trays: To cool and shape the semolina balls.
Sweet Semolina Balls Recipe
Step 1: Roasting the Semolina
Begin by roasting the semolina to enhance its flavor and give it a delightful nutty aroma.
Heat the ghee: Place the heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat and add the ghee.
Add the semolina: Once the ghee is hot, add the semolina to the pan.
Roast the semolina: Stir continuously to prevent burning. Roast the semolina until it turns golden brown and releases a fragrant aroma. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
Set aside: Remove the roasted semolina from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Preparing the Sweet Base
Now, let’s prepare the sweet base for the semolina balls.
Heat the milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk until it’s warm. If you’re using saffron, add the strands to the milk to infuse it with a rich color and aroma.
Combine the ingredients: Return the roasted semolina to the pan and add the warm milk. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Add the sugar: Once the semolina has absorbed the milk and thickened, add the sugar and continue to stir.
Flavor with cardamom: Crush the cardamom pods using a mortar and pestle and add the powder to the mixture.
Incorporate the nuts and raisins: Add the chopped nuts and raisins, stirring to distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Shaping the Semolina Balls
With the sweet base prepared, it’s time to shape the semolina balls.
Cool the mixture: Allow the mixture to cool slightly, making it easier to handle.
Grease your hands: Lightly grease your hands with ghee to prevent the mixture from sticking.
Form the balls: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth, round balls.
Optional coconut coating: If you’re using desiccated coconut, roll the semolina balls in the coconut to coat them.
Step 4: Serving and Storing
Your sweet semolina balls are now ready to be enjoyed!
Serve: Arrange the semolina balls on a serving plate and garnish with extra chopped nuts if desired.
Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Sweet semolina balls can be kept at room temperature for a day or two, or refrigerated for up to a week.
Savory Semolina Balls Recipe
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Step 1: Roasting the Semolina
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