Heat a tbsp of ghee in a pan. Add the cashew nuts and roast till light golden. Remove the cashew nuts and keep aside. If using raisins, add the raisins and roast till they swell. Remove the raisins and keep aside.In the same ghee, add the semolina (sooji) and roast till pink, approx 8-10 mts, on low to medium flame. Remove from heat and allow to cool a bit.Bring the milk along with water to a boil. Reduce flame and add the roasted semolina slowly, stirring continuously. The milk will begin to thicken. Keep stirring and allow the semolina to cook through completely.Add the sugar and cook till the sugar dissolves completely. Add the cardamom powder and mix.Remove the rava payasam to a serving bowl and garnish with roasted cashew nuts or raisins.

Servings:  4
Prep Time:  5 min
Total Time:  35 min