ISKCON NewsThe News Agency of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Semolina halava is the most popular dessert served at any of the Hare Krishna restaurants worldwide. This version of the famous hot, fluffy pudding with juicy raisins, raw sugar, and walnut pieces rates high in the "halava-top-ten". I have cooked halava for 4 or 5 persons and for 1500 persons; either way, following the same basic steps yields equally stunning results.

The secret of good halava is to roast the semolina very slowly for at least 20 minutes, with enough butter so as not to scorch the grains. Steam the finished halava over very low heat with a tight-fitting lid for 5 minutes to fully plump the semolina grains; then allow it to sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluffy, plump grained halava is best served hot, on its own, or with a spoonful of cream or custard. Serves 6 - 8 persons, or a couple of halava addicts.

This simple and sublime dessert is popular, in one form or another, all over South East Asia. Various fruits can go with it - typically mango, jackfruit, or durian. It is also sometimes eaten with palm sugar syrup, with thick coconut milk and a pinch of salt, sprinkled with sesame, or served with a type of coconut milk custard called sankhaya.

You can even serve it with sweetened or unsweetened cream. In Thailand, where it is known as Khao Neow Mamuang it is eaten not just as a dessert, but as a sweet afternoon snack, or any time. Serves 4.

Spinach Filo Triangles feature the salty white Greek sheep's cheese feta and wafer-thin continental filo pastry. If you are not partial to the rather strong taste of feta, substitute ricotta cheese or home-made curd cheese (panir) or a combination of both. Include the optional cheddar cheese if you're using a substitute for feta. I have omitted salt from the recipe because feta cheese and spinach are both naturally salty. Add 1 teaspoon salt if you are not using feta. Makes 24 triangles.