Sugar-Free Kesari

Delight in the guilt-free indulgence of Sugar-Free Kesari, a luscious Indian dessert that’s both diabetic-friendly and irresistibly fragrant. Made with roasted semolina (rava) for a nutty base, this recipe swaps traditional sugar for natural sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit, making it a perfect low-calorie treat. Infused with golden saffron strands, creamy milk, and the warmth of cardamom, every spoonful bursts with rich, aromatic flavors. Garnished with toasted cashews, plump raisins, and vibrant pistachios, this Kesari is beautifully textured and visually stunning. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this sugar-free reverie is perfect for festive occasions or as a wholesome everyday dessert.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
• 2.5 cups water
• 3 tablespoons ghee
• 1 cup milk
• 0.5 cup erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 1 pinch saffron strands
• 0.5 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons cashew nuts
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 tablespoon pistachios, chopped (optional)
• 1 drop saffron color or yellow food color

Directions

Step 1

Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat.

Step 2

Add the semolina (rava/sooji) to the pan and roast it gently, stirring continuously, until it turns a light golden color and emits a nutty aroma. This should take about 7-8 minutes.

Step 3

In a separate small saucepan, bring the water and milk mixture to a boil. Add the saffron strands to this boiling mixture and remove from heat.

Step 4

In the same pan where the semolina was roasted, add the remaining ghee and toast the cashew nuts until golden brown. Remove the cashews and set aside.

Step 5

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

Step 6

Carefully pour the boiled water-milk-saffron mixture into the roasted semolina, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low and let the semolina cook, absorbing the liquids completely. Stir frequently to ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Add the erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, cardamom powder, and food color to the mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 9

Continue cooking on low heat for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens to the desired consistency.

Step 10

Finally, garnish the Kesari with the toasted cashew nuts, raisins, and chopped pistachios.

Step 11

Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1258.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1465.9

Total Fat 60.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 32.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 142.0mg	0%
Sodium 234.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 307.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.8g	0%
Total Sugars 32.3g
Protein 38.7g	0%

Vitamin D 107.4IU	0%
Calcium 413.7mg	0%
Iron 4.5mg	0%
Potassium 1161.4mg	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: 28.3%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 63.7%