Ravva Kesari | Kesar Suji

Ravva Kesari, also known as Kesar Suji, is a beloved South Indian sweet that is especially popular during festive seasons. This delightful dessert is made primarily from semolina and is cherished for its rich flavor and vibrant color. Whether it's Dasara, Janmashtami, Diwali, or special religious ceremonies like poojas to Sri Sai Baba and Satyanarayana Swamy Vratam, Ravva Kesari holds a special place in Indian culinary traditions.

Ravva Kesari is a versatile sweet that not only brings joy to festive occasions but also makes for a perfect offering during religious ceremonies. Its unique texture, achieved by roasting the semolina to perfection, combined with the aromatic flavors of cardamom and the richness of ghee, make it an irresistible treat for both young and old alike. The vibrant orange hue symbolizes prosperity and auspiciousness, making it a must-have dessert during celebrations.

Serves: 3-4
Preparation Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Total Time: 15 min

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients
• Procedure
• Step 1: Prepare the Garnish
• Step 2: Roast the Semolina
• Step 4: Add Water
• Step 5: Add Food Colour or Saffron
• Step 6: Final Touches

Ingredients

Bombay Ravva (Semolina): 100 grams or 1 Cup (125ml Capacity)

Panchadara (Sugar): 100 grams or 1 Cup (125ml capacity)

Neyyi (Ghee): 50 grams

Jeedipappu (Cashews): 50 grams

Kismis (Raisins): 50 grams

Yelukkayi (Cardamom): 4 pods

Orange Food Colour: A pinch

Water: 500ml

Procedure

Step 1: Prepare the Garnish

Heat 2-3 teaspoons of ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the cashews and raisins, frying them until they turn golden brown. Once done, set them aside for later use.

Step 2: Roast the Semolina

In the same pan, add the semolina and fry it in ghee on high flame for about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor and ensures the best texture for the kesari.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar

After roasting the semolina, add the sugar to the pan. Mix continuously for about 2 minutes to ensure the sugar dissolves evenly without forming lumps. This method ensures that the semolina cooks thoroughly even after adding the sugar.

Step 4: Add Water

Gradually add the water to the mixture while continuously stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. Maintain a high flame and keep stirring for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 5: Add Food Colour or Saffron

Prepare the coloring agent by mixing a pinch of orange food colour with water or soaking saffron strands in milk. If you prefer a natural color, saffron not only provides a beautiful yellow hue but also imparts a delightful aroma and flavor. For an authentic orange tone, opt for the orange food colour.

Or Soak saffron in milk to extract its color and flavor.

Add the prepared color mixture to the sweet, stirring continuously.

Step 5: If the sweet mixture is less thick, add 50 grams of ghee or adjust according to your preference. Let it cook in the ghee for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 6: Final Touches

Finally, add the fried cashews, raisins, and a sprinkle of cardamom powder to the sweet mixture. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of the garnishes.

Remove the pan from the flame and garnish the Ravva Kesari with additional fried cashews and raisins in a serving bowl. Serve the sweet either hot or cold as per your preference.

Ravva Kesari is now ready to be served as Nayivedyam or to impress your guests with its delightful taste, whether served warm or chilled.

Note: If you prefer to make Ravva Kesari into pieces, allow the mixture to thicken further. Pour it onto a flat plate greased with ghee and let it cool completely. Once set, cut it into desired shapes and garnish with additional fried cashews and raisins for an elegant presentation.

Conclusion: Ravva Kesari is a timeless sweet that embodies the essence of South Indian festive cuisine. Its simple ingredients come together to create a dessert that is both flavorful and visually appealing. Whether you're preparing it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Ravva Kesari recipe promises a delightful experience with every bite. Enjoy the rich aroma, the perfect balance of sweetness, and the crunchy texture of the garnishes that make this sweet a favorite among many.