Kesari

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of Kesari, a classic Indian dessert loved for its vibrant flavor and rich aroma. This quick and easy-to-make treat features roasted semolina (rava), which is cooked to perfection with ghee, sugar, and a fragrant blend of saffron and cardamom. Enhanced with golden-fried cashews and raisins, Kesari boasts a luscious texture and festive look, thanks to its naturally golden hue or a pop of optional food coloring. Ready in just 30 minutes, this decadent semolina pudding is perfect for any celebration or as a comforting dessert to relish with family. Serve it warm or enjoy it at room temperature—either way, Kesari is sure to delight every spoonful!

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Semolina (rava/suji)
• 1 cup Sugar
• 2.5 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Ghee
• 10 strands Saffron strands
• 0.25 teaspoon Cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons Cashew nuts
• 1 tablespoon Raisins
• 1 pinch Food color (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Begin by soaking the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Set aside for later use.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, bring 2.5 cups of water to a boil. If you are using food color, add it to the water at this stage.

Step 3

While the water is heating, take a deep, heavy-bottomed pan and heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the cashew nuts to the pan and fry them until they turn golden brown. Remove them with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 5

In the same pan, add the raisins and fry them until they puff up. Remove and set aside with the cashew nuts.

Step 6

To the remaining ghee in the pan, add the semolina and roast it on medium-low heat until it turns golden and emits a pleasant aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Once the semolina is roasted, carefully pour the boiling water into the pan with the semolina while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming.

Step 8

Add the soaked saffron along with the water to the semolina mixture and continue to stir.

Step 9

Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook on a low flame for 2-3 minutes until the water is absorbed and the semolina is cooked.

Step 10

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sugar. As you add the sugar, the mixture will become runny again.

Step 11

Add the remaining ghee in batches, stirring continuously. The kesari will gradually start to thicken and leave the sides of the pan.

Step 12

Finally, stir in the cardamom powder, fried cashew nuts, and raisins.

Step 13

Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until the ghee starts to separate slightly from the sides of the kesari.

Step 14

Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving.

Step 15

Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional nuts if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1144.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2705.6

Total Fat 122.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 73.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 320mg	0%
Sodium 136.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 360.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.2g	0%
Total Sugars 210.6g
Protein 27.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 91.3mg	0%
Iron 4.0mg	0%
Potassium 589.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.6%

Protein: 4.1%

Carbs: 54.3%