Introduction:
Kesari Bhat, also known as Kesari or Sheera, is a popular Indian sweet dish made from semolina (sooji), ghee, sugar, and flavored with saffron. It is commonly prepared during festive occasions and special celebrations. Kesari Bhat has a rich, golden color and a sweet, aromatic taste that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will explore the flavorsome world of Kesari Bhat, provide you with a step-by-step recipe to make it at home, and address some frequently asked questions about this delightful dessert.
Kesari Bhat:
A Sweet Semolina Delight Kesari Bhat gets its name
from the word "kesar," which means saffron in Hindi. The saffron
strands give this dish its distinct color and aroma, making it visually
appealing and enticing. The combination of semolina, ghee, sugar, and saffron
creates a rich and indulgent dessert that is loved by people of all ages.
Whether enjoyed as a standalone sweet treat or served with a side of piping hot
puris, Kesari Bhat is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Kesari Bhat Recipe: Prepare the Sweet Semolina Delight at Home
Ingredients:
·
1 cup semolina (sooji)
·
3/4 cup sugar (adjust to
taste)
·
1/4 cup ghee (clarified
butter)
·
1/4 teaspoon saffron
strands
·
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
powder
·
2 cups water
·
A handful of chopped nuts
(such as cashews, almonds, and pistachios)
·
A pinch of edible food
color (optional)
Method:
1.
Heat ghee in a
thick-bottomed pan or kadai on medium heat.
2.
Add semolina to the pan
and roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and releases a
nutty aroma. This process may take around 7-8 minutes.
3.
In a separate small
bowl, soak saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk or water for a few minutes.
4.
Boil water in a saucepan
and keep it ready.
5.
Once the semolina is
roasted, add the boiling water to the pan, stirring continuously to avoid
lumps.
6.
Be cautious as the
mixture may splutter, so keep a lid handy to cover the pan if needed.
7.
Reduce the heat to low
and cook the semolina mixture for a few minutes until it thickens.
8.
Add the soaked saffron
strands along with the liquid to the pan and mix well.
9.
Add sugar, cardamom
powder, and a pinch of edible food color (if desired) to the pan. Mix until the
sugar dissolves completely.
10.Continue to cook the mixture on low heat for
another 2-3 minutes until it thickens further and starts to leave the sides of
the pan.
11.Turn off the heat and garnish the Kesari Bhat
with chopped nuts, gently pressing them into the surface.
12.Cover the pan with a lid and let the Kesari Bhat
rest for a few minutes before serving.
13.Serve warm or at room temperature as a delicious
sweet dessert.
FAQs about Kesari Bhat:
Q: Can I use other flavors instead of saffron in Kesari Bhat?
A:
While saffron is traditionally used to flavor Kesari Bhat, you can experiment
with other flavors such as rose water, cardamom, or even mango pulp to create
variations of this sweet dish.
Q: Can I use any type of semolina to make Kesari Bhat?
A: You can
use fine semolina (sooji) or coarse semolina (rava) to make Kesari Bhat.
However, the texture may slightly vary depending on the type of semolina used.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of ghee in the recipe?
A: Ghee adds
richness and flavor to Kesari Bhat. However, if you prefer a lighter version,
you can reduce the amount of ghee or substitute it with a healthier cooking oil
of your choice.
Q: Can I make Kesari Bhat in advance?
A: Kesari Bhat is best
enjoyed fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance and reheat it gently
before serving. However, note that the texture may slightly change upon
reheating.
In Conclusion:
Delight in the Sweet Saffron-flavored Kesari Bhat Kesari Bhat is a delightful sweet semolina dish that brings together the richness of ghee, the sweetness of sugar, and the aromatic flavors of saffron. With its vibrant color and tempting aroma, Kesari Bhat is sure to be a hit at festive gatherings or as a comforting dessert at any time. By following the recipe provided, you can easily recreate this sweet treat in your own kitchen. So, gather the ingredients, indulge in the cooking process, and savor the divine flavors of Kesari Bhat.