What is Rava Kesari?
Rava Kesari, also known as Kesari Bath or Chow Chow Bath in Karnataka, is a popular South Indian sweet made primarily from roasted rava (semolina), sugar, water, ghee, cardamom, and nuts. It’s a simple yet delightful sweet dish that is quick to prepare, typically taking less than 30 minutes from scratch. Serve on special occasions or festivals like Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi or Diwali.
About this Kesari bath recipe
I have made this authentic Kesari recipe a 100 times atleast and my friends and family simply love it. Over the past few years, I’ve refined this Indian dessert by experimenting with different ratios of sugar and ghee, and I’ve finally perfected it. Keep in mind, reducing the amount of sugar or ghee too much can result in a lack of texture, consistency, and flavor, turning it into a mere lump of Indian sweet. Not like the melt in mouth ones found at the South Indian rest. Making Rava Kesari at home is remarkably simple, taking under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Rava Kesari ratio
With just six ingredients, including nuts, and a straightforward ratio of ½ cup ghee to 1 cup semolina to 2 cups sugar to 3 cups water, you’re all set. You can use any size of cup for measurement. Plus, this kesari bath stores well for up to a week in the refrigerator. This semolina based Indian sweet is extremely popular among my friends and family and they love it every time I prepare it. Tastes just like the South Indian hotel style rava kesari! If you follow the recipe to T, you just cannot go wrong with it!
Ingredients
Semolina(Rava): I prefer to use fine or medium semolina rather than coarse semolina to give the kesari bath a smoother texture and helps it cook more evenly. Coarse semolina may result in a grittier texture, which might not be as desirable for this particular dish. Sugar: Granulated or caster sugar works perfectly. Water: Essential for cooking the semolina and sugar. Cardamom: Adds the delightful flavor to this Indian sweet. Food color: I prefer using food-grade safe coloring, preferably saffron orange color. A small amount, just under a pinch, is sufficient. Nuts: Cashews, halved or quartered, are my preference
How to make Rava kesari?: Step by Step
Serving Suggestions
Rava Kesari tastes best when served warm / hot as a dessert. For a fulfilling tiffin experience, it pairs excellently with Vegetable Rava Upma along with a cup of coffee or masala chai. You can also serve this Kesari in your navratri along with puliogare, spicy potato chips and chickpeas chundal.
Storing leftovers
Any remaining Rava Kesari bath can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. While cold, it may develop lumps, but fear not! Upon reheating, it will return to its original creamy consistency. To reheat, transfer the kesari bath into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 30-40 seconds or until thoroughly warmed, then serve and relish!
Quick and easy Rava Kesari recipe below
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