Are your taste buds prepared to be taken on a trip to the land of pure delight? If you're looking for something divine, go no further than Rava Kesari. This popular sweet from South India is a textural and flavorful delight that will elevate any occasion. We'll show you, step by step, how to make the best Rava Kesari there is.
Kalyana Kesari, or Rava Kesari, is a popular South Indian dessert made on special occasions or during festive times. Rava Kesari is a delicious dessert that can be easily prepared with fewer ingredients. It's a simple recipe, but to make it perfect, always ensure to roast Rava till it turns aromatic. If you wish to have an extra crunch, go ahead and add some toasted nuts of your choice. In this article, I will explain how to make smooth, delicious, and aromatic Kesari with pictures. This is the perfect dessert to enjoy with your friends and family. It will be ready in 20 minutes.
In India, we come across different kinds of Halwa prepared in many ways that vary widely from region to region. While making Kesari, artificial color is added to make it look vibrant and garnished to give it a festive look. If you don't prefer added color, you can use Soaked saffron which can give a mild orange color to the dessert. This dessert is also served in Temples as an offering to god during auspicious days like Chaturthi, Navarathri, etc. In some restaurants in south India, Kesari is served on every meal platter and on the breakfast platter. This dessert is familiar to Suji Halwa, which is popular in North India.
Since this sweet is so simple to make. We often make it at home and enjoy it as an after-meal dessert.
As you take your first blissful bite of Rava Kesari, you'll experience a medley of flavors that dance on your palate. The delicate saffron, the nutty richness of cashews, and the fruity burst from the plump raisins all come together in perfect harmony. The warmth of cardamom wraps around you like a comforting embrace, while the semolina provides a satisfying texture that melts in your mouth.
Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a heavy bottom pan, Roast cashew nuts until lightly golden and set aside. Roast Raisins until it plump, remove and set aside.
To the same ghee add 1 cup of Rava or Sooji, Roast Rava for 5 minutes, we don't want it to change color keep in medium flame and wait until it turns aromatic. once it happens remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Next, to the same pan add 3 cups of water, to cook 1 cup of Rava pour 3 cups of water. For the color add 1/4 tsp of orange food color(completely optional, if you want a mild Orange color then just add soaked saffron strands with water)Also, add 1 tbsp of ghee, this gives a glossy look for the Kesari bath. Allow the water to boil, when it comes to a rolling boil add the roasted Rava, Immediately stir to avoid lumps. Stir and cook until it thickens. once the rava starts to leave the pan, add 1 cup of sugar(add 1/4 cup extra for more sweetness)
The sugar dissolves and the rava reaches a semi-fluid form. keep cooking on medium to low flame, Add 2 tbsp ghee in batches while cooking.
Add 1 teaspoon of Cardamom powder, and cook until Kesari starts to leave the pan. At the final stage of cooking, for an extra Aromatic flavor, I am adding 1/4 teaspoon of rose essence (optional)mix well. Switch off the flame and transfer to a serving dish. since the Kesari holds the shape you can make it in different shapes and forms and beautifully garnish it with saffron and nuts.