When I think of Kesari, I’m instantly transported back to memories from my primary school days. You might find this unusual, but my first taste of this delicious, saffron-colored dessert came at a school picnic. During snack time, our teachers surprised us with warm, soft Kesari. I took one bite, and I was hooked! Years later, I found myself captivated by this sweet dish again when a dear friend brought pineapple Kesari to the work. Prepared with ghee and bursting with juicy pineapple chunks, it was perfectly sweet and rich. Little did I know, her husband had made it. Have you heard of Nala pachakam?, or “the cooking of Nala” named after the legendary King in Indian folklore. People use this phrase when a man is able to cook delicious and tasty food.
What is Kesari?
Kesari, which translates to “the one that is saffron,” traditionally gets its name from the addition of saffron or food coloring. Today, many prefer a natural hue or even skip the color altogether. Across India, Kesari takes on different names and variations: in North India, it’s called Suji Halwa, often paired with puris, while in Karnataka, it’s known as Kesari Bath and typically enjoyed alongside Upma or Uppittu. In Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, it’s even served as a sacred offering in temples. Despite its many forms, the essence of Kesari remains the same—a warm, comforting treat loved by all.
For years, I experimented with Kesari recipes, trying to replicate that perfect, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. I’ve finally learned the foolproof formula! The secret? A simple ratio for ghee, semolina (or rava), sugar, and water: 1/2:1:1:3. So let’s see how to make this simple yet comforting dish.
Rava Kesari
With this recipe, I promise you’ll achieve the soft, luscious Kesari you’ve been craving. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s bring this sweet together.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp + 1/2 cup ghee
- 2 tbsp cashew halves
- 1 tbsp raisins
- 1 cup semolina (rava)
- 3 cups boiling water
- 1 cup sugar
- 3-4 crushed cardamom
- Saffron strands soaked in warm milk or food coloring (optional)
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1/2 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 1gSugar: 25gProtein: 4g
I am sure, this Rava Kesari will become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re making it for a special breakfast or as a treat for loved ones, this dish is a delight that’s meant to be shared.
Share Your Creation!
Have you tried this recipe? Let me know how it turned out in the comments below! And don’t forget to snap a photo and tag @platefullofyumm on Instagram—I’d love to see your beautiful creations!
Happy cooking! 🧡