Ravva Kesari | Kesar Suji


Recipe prepared by Smt Jhansi Lakshmi
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Article written by Lakshmi Aparna


Delicious Ravva Kesari served in a traditional bowl

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

 

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Ingredients

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

Bowls of Bombay Ravva (Semolina)

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

Granulated Panchadara (Sugar)

Neyyi (Ghee): 50 grams

A jar of pure neyyi (ghee)

Jeedipappu (Cashews): 50 grams

Kismis (Raisins): 50 grams

Yelukkayi (Cardamom): 4 pods

Cashews, Raisins, and Cardamom pods ready for use

Orange Food Colour: A pinch

Vials of orange food colour

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.

Frying cashews and raisins in ghee

Golden fried cashews and raisins ready to be set aside

Fried cashews and raisins in a bowl

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.

Roasting semolina in ghee

Lightly roasted semolina with ghee


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.

Adding sugar to roasted semolina

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.

Adding water to the semolina and sugar mixture

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.

Mixing orange food colour with water

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

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

Adding colored water to the sweet mixture


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.

Adding ghee to the sweet mixture

Thickened sweet mixture with ghee

Sweet mixture reaching desired consistency

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.

Adding cashews, raisins, and cardamom to the sweet mixture

Final mixture with 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.

Served Ravva Kesari in a decorative bowl

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.

Ravva Kesari set on a flat plate for cutting

Cut pieces of Ravva Kesari arranged on a plate

Individual pieces of Ravva Kesari ready to serve

 

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.

 

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