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RCI-DS.001.0292.001

Kesari Bhath

Ethnicity - South Indian Type of meal - Party, Lunch, Dinner

vegetarianvegangluten-freedairy-freenut-freehalalkosher
Prep5 min
Cook15 min
Total20 min
Servings4
Difficultyintermediate

Ingredients

  • cup: semolina (rava)
    1 unit
  • cup: Sugar
    1 unit
  • no: almonds
    slivered
    5 unit
  • no: Pistas
    slivered
    5 unit
  • no: Raisins
    10-12 unit
  • tsp: cardamom powder
    1/4 unit
  • pinches: saffron
    soaked in 1 tbsp warm milk
    2 unit
  • Few drops yellow colour (optional)
    1 unit
  • tbsp: ghee
    3 unit
  • cups: water
    2 1/2 unit

Method

1
Heat 3 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Add 1 cup of semolina (rava/sooji) and roast, stirring continuously, until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma.
8 minutes
2
Remove the roasted semolina from the pan and set aside. In the same pan, add a little more ghee and lightly fry cashews and raisins until the cashews are golden and the raisins plump up, then remove and set aside.
3 minutes
3
In a separate saucepan, bring 2.5 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of saffron strands (kesar) soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm water or milk to the boiling water to infuse the color and flavor.
5 minutes
4
Slowly pour the roasted semolina into the boiling saffron water in a thin, steady stream while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
3 minutes
5
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook the semolina mixture until it absorbs all the water and thickens to a soft, smooth consistency, stirring occasionally.
5 minutes
6
Add 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar and a pinch of cardamom powder to the cooked semolina, stirring well until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes together into a smooth, glossy pudding.
4 minutes
7
Drizzle in the remaining ghee over the kesari, folding it in gently until the pudding is rich, glossy, and begins to leave the sides of the pan.
2 minutes
8
Garnish the Kesari Bhath with the reserved fried cashews and raisins, and serve warm as a dessert or festive offering.