Oops
Something's not right. Our best minds are on it. You may retry or check back soon.
9 MINS delivery
Kesari Bhath
Serves 4
45 mins
260 Kcal
This is a classic South Indian sweet dish, generally known as Kesari Bhath. It is made of semolina (suji), sugar, ghee, and an aromatic spice mix. It is usually served during festivities, special occasions, or even as part of traditional South Indian breakfasts. Its bright orange colour, instead achieved by adding saffron or food colour, adds to the dish's aesthetic appeal, thereby pleasing the eyes as much as the mouth. The Kesari Bhath recipe begins with roasting semolina in ghee until golden brown and a delightful aroma is released. Water and sugar are boiled in another pan to create a syrup, which is then added to the roasted semolina. The contents are stirred consistently until smooth, soft, and pudding-like. To be flavoured more deliciously, cardamom and a handful of cashews and raisins saut ed in ghee are often added. The secret to a perfect Kesari Bhath is balancing sweetness, texture, and aroma. The dish is meant to be soft yet not runny, with a rich, melt-in-the-mouth feel. Variations of the Kesari Bhath recipe may use pineapple; besides giving a fruity feel, this adds another dimension to the flavour. Kesari Bhath is a warm, sweet dish; many prefer the same dish with a savoury counterpart, like rava upma. Such a dish can be relished as a snack or dessert. Kesari Bhath is sure to delight any taste bud.
Ingredients required for Kesari Bhath
- 200 gms basmati rice
- 50 gms sugar
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 10-12 saffron strands
- 10-12 almonds
- Salt
- 10-12 cashews
Cooking steps for Kesari Bhath
- 1Kesari Bhath is dessert royalty—a South Indian classic that combines luxurious ingredients like basmati rice, ghee, saffron, and nuts to create a sweet masterpiece fit for celebrations or indulgent moments.
- 2Begin this recipe of kesari bhath by washing 200 grams of basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, removing excess starch for perfectly fluffy grains.
- 3Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, which allows it to cook evenly and achieve a light, tender texture.
- 4Drain the soaked rice and heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- 5Add the rice and saut for 2-3 minutes until it turns slightly golden and aromatic, coating each grain in ghee for extra flavor.
- 6Pour in 500 ml of water and a pinch of salt, cover the pan, and let it simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
- 7In a separate small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee and bloom 10-12 saffron strands for vibrant color and rich aroma.
- 8Add 50 grams of sugar to the saffron and stir until it melts into a golden, fragrant syrup.
- 9Once the rice is ready, gently pour the saffron-sugar mixture over it, stirring carefully to coat each grain in its sunshine hue.
- 10Toast 10-12 chopped almonds and cashews in a little ghee until golden and sprinkle them over the rice for a delightful crunch.
- 11Serve the Kesari Bhath hot, letting its rich aroma fill the air.
- 12Sweet, indulgent, and fragrant, this dish is perfect for festivals, family gatherings, or simply to treat yourself to a comforting bowl of golden goodness.
- 13It's the kind of dessert that turns any occasion into a celebration.