Kesari Bhath
Kesari Bhath Recipe - A South Indian Delight
Introduction
Kesari Bhath is a popular South Indian sweet dish made with semolina, sugar, ghee, and nuts. It is often served as a dessert or as a special treat during festivals and celebrations.
History
Kesari Bhath has its origins in Karnataka, India, where it is a traditional dish served in many households. It is believed to have been introduced by the Mysore royal family and has since become a staple in South Indian cuisine.
Ingredients
How to prepare
- Heat ghee in a large heavy pan and add rava.
- Stir and roast on low heat for 7-8 minutes or until it exudes aroma.
- Meanwhile, bring water to a boil in a separate pot and add sugar.
- Pour the boiling water into the rava gradually, stirring continuously. Be careful to protect your hands from splattering.
- Once well mixed, check the texture of the rava grains between your fingers and taste for sweetness.
- Adjust the sweetness and add more boiling water if the grains are still hard.
- Add the remaining ingredients, cover the pan, and simmer until the ghee separates. Set aside a small amount of almonds and pistachios for garnishing.
- If desired, add food coloring and mix well.
- Grease a katori or steel cup. Press the hot bhath mixture into it and then unmold it onto a plate.
- Garnish with a few slivers of almonds and pistachios. Serve hot.
Variations
- Add saffron strands for a more vibrant color and flavor.
- Use different nuts like cashews or walnuts for a variation in texture and taste.
- Substitute sugar with jaggery for a healthier alternative.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Roasting the semolina properly is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in Kesari Bhath.
- Adding boiling water gradually and stirring continuously helps prevent lumps from forming.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dish according to your preference by adding more or less sugar.
- Garnishing with slivered almonds and pistachios adds a nice crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Kesari Bhath can be served hot as a dessert or snack. It pairs well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
Cooking Techniques
Roasting the semolina until fragrant helps enhance the nutty flavor of the dish.
- Simmering the mixture with ghee and water helps create a rich and creamy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use vegetable oil instead of ghee for a vegan version of Kesari Bhath.
- Replace semolina with rice flour for a gluten-free option.
Make Ahead Tips
Kesari Bhath can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Kesari Bhath in individual bowls garnished with extra nuts and a sprinkle of cardamom powder for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Kesari Bhath pairs well with savory dishes like sambar rice or vegetable biryani for a balanced meal.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover Kesari Bhath in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore moisture.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
One serving of Kesari Bhath contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
One serving of Kesari Bhath contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
One serving of Kesari Bhath contains approximately 10 grams of fats.
Proteins
One serving of Kesari Bhath contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Kesari Bhath is a good source of vitamin E from the nuts used in the recipe.
Alergens
Kesari Bhath contains nuts (almonds and pistachios) and dairy (ghee), which may be allergens for some individuals.
Summary
Kesari Bhath is a sweet dish that is moderate in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Summary
Kesari Bhath is a delicious and aromatic sweet dish that is perfect for special occasions or as a comforting treat. With the right balance of flavors and textures, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
How did I get this recipe?
The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hot summer day and I was visiting my friend, Lata, in her cozy little kitchen. The aroma of saffron and ghee filled the air as she stirred a pot of golden, fragrant Kesari Bhath. Lata smiled warmly at me and offered me a taste. As soon as the sweet and spicy flavors exploded on my taste buds, I knew I had to learn how to make this delectable dish.
Lata chuckled at my eagerness and invited me to join her in the kitchen. She began to explain the process of making Kesari Bhath, a traditional South Indian dessert made with semolina, sugar, ghee, and aromatic spices. As she guided me through each step, I watched in awe as the simple ingredients transformed into a dish fit for royalty.
Lata shared with me that she had learned to make Kesari Bhath from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother, and so on. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it uniquely their own. I listened intently, savoring every word as she shared stories of her family gatherings and special occasions where Kesari Bhath was the star of the show.
After spending the afternoon with Lata, I returned home with a newfound passion for cooking. I was determined to master the art of making Kesari Bhath and carry on the tradition in my own family. I set to work in my own kitchen, carefully measuring out the ingredients and following each step with precision.
As the ghee sizzled and the aroma of cardamom infused the air, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I knew that this dish would not only bring joy to my loved ones but also connect me to a long line of women who had cherished and perfected this recipe over the years.
Over time, I honed my skills and experimented with different variations of Kesari Bhath. I added nuts and dried fruits for crunch, or a dash of rose water for a floral note. Each time I made the dish, I felt a sense of joy and nostalgia, imagining the generations of women before me who had stood in their own kitchens, stirring pots of golden goodness.
As the years passed, I became known among my family and friends as the Kesari Bhath expert. I would be called upon to make the dish for weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. Each time I cooked it, I felt a deep connection to my roots and a sense of gratitude for the culinary traditions that had been passed down to me.
Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of saffron and ghee, I can't help but smile as I think back to that fateful day when I first saw the recipe for Kesari Bhath. It has become more than just a dish to me—it is a symbol of love, tradition, and the power of sharing recipes and stories with those we hold dear.
And so, I will continue to make Kesari Bhath for years to come, passing down the recipe and the memories to future generations. For me, this dish will always be a reminder of the strength and resilience of women, who have used food as a way to connect, nurture, and preserve their heritage. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
Categories
| Almond Recipes | Cardamom Recipes | Cereals Recipes | Clarified Butter Recipes | Indian Recipes | Raisin Recipes | Saffron Recipes | Semolina Recipes | South Indian Recipes |