A Delightful Indian Dessert Rava Kesari

                                   How to Make Rava Kesari – A Delightful Indian Dessert

If you've ever enjoyed a warm, comforting, and sweet dessert after a traditional Indian meal, there's a good chance you've tasted Rava Kesari. Known for its rich, fragrant, and slightly spiced flavor, Rava Kesari is a South Indian dessert made with semolina (rava or suji), ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. Whether you want to make a quick dessert for family or impress guests, Rava Kesari is an excellent choice. In this article, I’ll walk you through the essentials of making Rava Kesari at home, plus tips to make it even more delicious!

What is Rava Kesari?

Rava Kesari is a traditional South Indian sweet dish that’s especially popular during festivals and celebrations. The word "Kesari" means "saffron" in Hindi, which is often added to give this dish its vibrant orange color. However, you can make it without saffron or use a bit of food coloring. This dessert has a unique texture—soft, yet slightly grainy due to the semolina, and the ghee and cardamom give it an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dessert:

1 cup Rava (Semolina or Suji)

¾ cup Sugar (adjust to taste)

2 ½ cups Water

¼ cup Ghee (Clarified Butter) – use more if you like it richer

10-12 Cashews – for garnish

10-12 Raisins – for garnish

½ tsp Cardamom Powder

A pinch of Saffron Strands or orange food coloring (optional)

Step-by-Step Recipe for Rava Kesari

Step 1: Roast the Rava

1. Heat a pan on low-medium heat and add a teaspoon of ghee.

2. Add the rava (semolina) and roast it, stirring continuously to avoid burning. You’ll want to roast until the rava turns slightly golden and starts releasing a nutty aroma (about 4-5 minutes).

3. Once done, set the roasted rava aside.

Step 2: Fry Cashews and Raisins

1. In the same pan, add a bit more ghee and roast the cashews until they turn golden brown.

2. Add the raisins and cook until they puff up. Set them aside for later.

Step 3: Boil Water and Add Rava

1. In a separate pot, bring 2 ½ cups of water to a boil. If you’re using saffron strands, add them to the water as it heats up. (Alternatively, you can add a pinch of orange food color).

2. Once the water is boiling, slowly add the roasted rava while stirring continuously to prevent lumps.

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the rava cook until it absorbs the water and becomes soft (around 5-6 minutes).

Step 4: Add Sugar, Ghee, and Flavoring

1. When the rava is soft, add the sugar and mix well. The mixture will become slightly watery but will thicken as the sugar dissolves.

2. Gradually add the remaining ghee, stirring continuously. You’ll notice the kesari starting to leave the sides of the pan, which means it’s ready.

3. Add cardamom powder for a warm, aromatic flavor, and mix it in well.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Turn off the heat and add the fried cashews and raisins.

2. Mix well and let the kesari sit for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Rava Kesari

Avoid lumps: Add the rava gradually to the boiling water, and keep stirring as you add.

Ghee for flavor: Don’t skimp on the ghee—it adds richness and prevents the kesari from sticking.

Roast the rava properly: This helps give Rava Kesari its signature grainy texture.

Coloring options: Saffron gives an authentic flavor, but food coloring works if you don't have saffron.

Variations to Try

Fruit Kesari: Add pineapple or banana chunks for a twist.

Milk Kesari: Substitute water with milk for a richer flavor.

Saffron and Dry Fruits: For a festive version, add extra dry fruits like almonds and saffron strands for a richer, more luxurious dish.

Serving Suggestions

Rava Kesari is best enjoyed warm, as a standalone dessert or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fusion twist. It also pairs well with South Indian meals like dosas, idlis, or vadas, making it a popular dessert at weddings and festivals.

Final Thoughts

Rava Kesari is a delightful and comforting dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. With minimal ingredients and a simple process, this sweet treat can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Whether you're new to cooking or a seasoned chef, you’ll enjoy the ease of preparing this dessert and the joy of sharing it with family and friends.