Kesari

Kesari

Kesari, also known as Sheera or Sooji Halwa, is a popular South Indian sweet dish made from semolina (sooji/rava), ghee, sugar, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Kesari:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji/rava)
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands (soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, pistachios)
• A few raisins (optional)
• A pinch of food-grade orange or yellow food color (optional)
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Heat 1/4 cup of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadhai over medium heat.
2. Add the semolina (sooji/rava) to the pan and roast it on low to medium flame. Keep stirring continuously to avoid burning and to get an even golden color. Roast until the semolina emits a nutty aroma. This may take around 6–8 minutes. Be patient and ensure it doesn’t get too dark.
3. In a separate small bowl, soak the saffron strands in warm milk and set it aside.
4. In another saucepan, heat the water and bring it to a boil. You can also add a pinch of food color to the water for a vibrant color in the Kesari. Turn off the heat once the water starts boiling.
5. Now, slowly add the hot water to the roasted semolina while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Be careful as the mixture might sputter. If you have turned off the heat, turn it back on to low.
6. Keep stirring until the semolina absorbs the water and starts to thicken. At this stage, add the sugar and continue stirring.
7. The mixture will start to thicken and come together. Add the soaked saffron strands along with the milk and mix well.
8. Add the remaining ghee and keep stirring until the Kesari starts to leave the sides of the pan. It will also become glossy and have a smooth texture.
9. Stir in the cardamom powder and mix well. You can also add a few raisins at this stage for added sweetness.
10. Lastly, add the chopped nuts and mix them into the Kesari.
11. Turn off the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve the Kesari warm and enjoy its deliciousness!

Kesari is often served as a dessert during festivals, celebrations, or as a sweet treat after a meal. It’s a delightful and easy-to-make sweet dish that’s sure to please your taste buds!

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