Kesari Bhat

This is a traditional Indian sweet of saffron and semolina is prepared all over India. It is the standard offering to God, that is cooked as 'prasad' after a 'Pooja'. This recipe is made using 1 1/4 of any measure (instead of one) by Hindus as they believe using the extra measure will usher in prosperity and happiness.

• Preparation Time: 2 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 12 mins
• Calories: 620 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ¼ cups white sugar
• ¾ cup vegetable oil
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 pinch saffron threads
• ½ cup ghee (clarified butter)
• ½ cup cashew pieces
• 1 ½ cups hot milk
• 1 ¼ cups fine semolina
• ½ cup banana (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Soften the saffron threads in the hot milk; set aside. Heat oil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the semolina. Cook until toasted and light brown, stirring constantly.

Step 2

Bring the milk to a boil in a separate saucepan. Turn heat to medium-low and stir in the semolina and banana; cover and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the sugar, cover and cook for an additional minute.

Step 3

Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat ghee over medium-high heat. Add cashews and raisins; cook until the raisins puff. Pour the raisins into the semolina, mix well, and cook covered for another minute.