Easy Semolina Kesari Recipe – Cardamom & Ghee Flavored Indian Dessert

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Semolina Kesari Recipe – Cardamom & Ghee Flavored Indian Dessert

Hey everyone! If you’re looking for a classic Indian sweet that’s surprisingly easy to make, you’ve come to the right place. This Semolina Kesari is a vibrant, fragrant dessert that’s perfect for festivals, celebrations, or just a cozy treat with your evening chai. I remember making this for the first time during Diwali – it was a little nerve-wracking, but the aroma filling the kitchen was amazing, and the smiles when everyone tasted it made it all worthwhile! Let’s get cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Kesari is more than just a sweet; it’s a little piece of Indian tradition. It’s quick to prepare, needing only about 5 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes to cook. The beautiful saffron-orange color and the delightful blend of cardamom, ghee, and roasted nuts make it irresistible. Plus, it’s a relatively easy recipe, even for beginner cooks!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Kesari:

• 1 cup rava / semolina (approximately 150g)
• 3 cups water (720ml)
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar (300g)
• 0.25 cup ghee (approximately 57g)
• 0.25 cup oil (approximately 57ml)
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom (approximately 2.5g)
• 1-2 drops orange food color
• 1 tablespoon ghee (approximately 14g)
• 2 tablespoons cashews (approximately 28g)
• 2 tablespoons raisins (approximately 22g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make a big difference.

Rava / Semolina: Types and Toasting Tips

There are different types of rava – fine, medium, and coarse. I prefer medium rava for Kesari; it gives a lovely texture. Toasting the rava is crucial. It removes the raw smell and enhances the nutty flavor.

Ghee: The Importance of Quality & Clarified Butter vs. Regular Butter

Ghee is liquid gold in Indian cooking! It adds a unique richness and aroma. Using good quality ghee really shines through in the final flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade. Clarified butter can be used as a substitute, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor as true ghee.

Cardamom: Freshly Ground vs. Store-Bought

Freshly ground cardamom is always best! The aroma is so much more potent. If you’re using store-bought ground cardamom, make sure it’s relatively fresh. You can lightly crush the pods and grind them yourself for a boost.

Food Coloring: Natural Alternatives & Achieving the Perfect Hue

Orange food coloring is traditional, but you can explore natural alternatives like saffron strands (soaked in warm milk) or carrot juice. Be mindful that natural colors will give a more subtle hue. A little goes a long way with food coloring – start with one drop and add more until you reach your desired shade.

Cashews & Raisins: Roasting for Enhanced Flavor

Don’t skip roasting the cashews and raisins! It brings out their sweetness and adds a lovely crunch. Keep a close eye on them, as they burn easily.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some Kesari!

1. Roast the Nuts: Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the cashews and raisins and roast until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Toast the Rava: In the same pan, add the remaining ghee. Add the rava and roast over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant and golden brown (about 5-7 minutes). Be patient – this step is important!
3. Add Water & Color: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the water, stirring vigorously to break up any lumps. This is where your arm workout begins! Add the orange food coloring and mix well.
4. Sweeten & Spice: Add the sugar and ground cardamom. Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to thicken.
5. Add Fats & Finish: Pour in the remaining ghee and oil. Mix well until the fats are fully absorbed. You’ll notice the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan – that’s how you know it’s ready!
6. Fold & Serve: Gently fold in the roasted cashews and raisins. Serve warm and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Lump-Free Kesari: The key to avoiding lumps is constant stirring when adding the water. Don’t walk away!
• Adjusting Consistency: If the Kesari is too thick, add a splash of hot milk. If it’s too thin, cook for a few more minutes, stirring continuously.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can make the rava rubbery.

Variations

• Vegan Kesari (Using Plant-Based Alternatives): Swap the ghee for coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
• Gluten-Free Considerations: Semolina isn’t naturally gluten-free. Ensure you’re using a certified gluten-free rava if needed.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of saffron for a more complex flavor. My grandmother always added a pinch of nutmeg!
• Festival Adaptations (Holi, Diwali, etc.): For Holi, you can use a mix of food colors to create a rainbow Kesari.

Serving Suggestions

Kesari is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with a side of yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also lovely served with a warm glass of milk.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover Kesari in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQs

What is the best type of semolina to use for Kesari?

Medium rava works best, but fine rava can also be used. Avoid coarse rava, as it can result in a grainy texture.

How do I prevent the semolina from forming lumps?

Constant, vigorous stirring when adding the water is key!

Can I make Kesari ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What can I substitute for ghee in this recipe?

You can use clarified butter or coconut oil, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.

How can I adjust the sweetness level of the Kesari?

Reduce or increase the amount of sugar to your liking.

Is orange food coloring essential for Kesari?

Not essential, but it’s traditional and gives it the signature color. You can use saffron or carrot juice as natural alternatives.

Enjoy making this delightful Semolina Kesari! I hope it brings a little sweetness to your day. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!