Batata Shira

“Rich, Creamy, & Irresistibly Sweet.

“Sajuk Tupatla, Upvasacha Batata Shira.” (Pure Ghee Potato Shira)

Batata Shira (Potato Halwa) is a popular, sweet Maharashtrian dish made by sautéing boiled, mashed potatoes in ghee with sugar, milk, and cardamom, often garnished with nuts and saffron. It is a nutritious, easy-to-make, soft-textured sweet, particularly popular during fasting (upvas/vrat) periods like Navratri, Ekadashi, Mahashivratri etc.

Preparation Method

1. Prep: Boil, peel, and mash the potatoes thoroughly.
2. Roast: Heat ghee in a pan, add the mashed potatoes, and sauté on medium heat until they turn golden brown and start leaving the sides of the pan.
3. Cook: Add milk (or water) to the roasted potatoes and mix well until the liquid is absorbed.
4. Sweeten: Add sugar, cardamom powder, and dry fruits. Mix well until the sugar melts and the mixture reaches a halwa-like consistency.
5. Finish: Garnish with additional dry fruits and serve hot.