Kesari

Kesari is a delectable dessert from South India that is prepared using semolina, sugar, ghee, spices, nuts, and dried fruits.

Makes 3 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 2 tbsp + ¼ cup ghee separated

• 15 almonds sliced

• 3 dates deseeded and chopped

• ½ cup Bombay rava/sooji

• 1 cup water

• ¾ cup sugar (lessen to taste)

• 1 pinch salt

• 1 pinch saffron

• ¼ tsp cardamom powder

DIRECTIONS

1. In the cooking pan, heat the tbsp of ghee and toast the almonds and dates.

2. Once the almonds turn a golden color, remove the almonds and dates and keep it on a separate plate.

3. Raise the heat to medium-high, and toast the rava and the saffron together in the pan until it turns aromatic. This will take 5-7 minutes. Keep the rava mix aside in a separate bowl.

4. Pour in the water and bring it to a rolling boil.

5. Add in the rava mix, continuously stirring, so there are no lumps.

6. Once the water is absorbed (this happens fast), add in the sugar and lower the heat to low, stirring well till the sugar dissolves.

   • You can also add in a food coloring of your choice at this point if you'd like.

7. Mix in the 1/4 cup of ghee, stirring constantly. Cover and let it simmer for a couple of minutes- to ensure that the rava is thoroughly cooked.

8. Mix in your almonds, dates, and cardamom powder.

9. Cook till the halwa is not sticking to the pan, and turn off the heat.

10. Serve warm!

You can enjoy halwa warm and serve it with puri or ice cream.