SWEET RECIPE

Kesari Halwa, also known as Sooji Halwa, is a popular Indian dessert that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Made with semolina, ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom, saffron, and nuts, this delicious dessert is a perfect way to end any meal.

In this recipe, I will show you how to make Kesari Halwa from scratch. It is important to note that the key to making a perfect Kesari Halwa is to get the consistency and texture right, which can only be achieved with the right amount of patience and attention to detail.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (rava/sooji)
• 1/2 cup ghee
• A pinch of salt
• 1 and 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron
• A handful of chopped nuts (cashews, almonds, and pistachios)

Instructions:

1. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat and add the ghee to it. Once the ghee has melted, add the semolina to it.

2. Roast the semolina in the ghee until it turns light brown and gives off a nutty aroma. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Be sure to continuously stir the semolina to prevent it from burning.

3. While the semolina is roasting, take a small bowl and add a pinch of saffron to it. Add a tablespoon of warm water to the bowl and let it soak for a few minutes.

4. In a separate pan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil.

5. Once the semolina has turned light brown, add the boiling water to the pan. Be sure to add the water slowly and carefully, as it will cause the semolina to splatter.

6. Stir the mixture and add the sugar to it. Mix well to ensure that the sugar is dissolved completely.

7. Add the saffron water and cardamom powder to the mixture and mix well. This will give the Kesari Halwa its distinct flavor and aroma.

8. Keep stirring the mixture until it thickens and the water has been absorbed completely. This should take around 10-12 minutes.

8. Once the mixture has thickened, add the chopped nuts to it and mix well.

9. Turn off the heat and let the Kesari Halwa rest for a few minutes before serving.

10. Your Kesari Halwa is now ready to be served. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Kesari Halwa can also be made with milk instead of water, which gives it a richer and creamier texture. Simply replace the water with milk in the recipe and follow the same instructions.

Tips:

1. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the semolina from sticking to the bottom and burning.

2. Be sure to continuously stir the semolina while roasting it to prevent it from burning.

3. Add the boiling water to the pan slowly and carefully to prevent splattering.

4. Use warm water to soak the saffron to release its flavor and aroma.

5. Let the Kesari Halwa rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

6. You can also add other nuts and dried fruits of your choice, such as almonds, pistachios, or dates.

In conclusion, Kesari Halwa is a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With the right amount of patience and attention to detail, you can easily make this dessert from scratch and impress your friends and family. So go ahead and try this recipe and let us know how it turned out!