Kesari Bhat

Kesari Bhat is a traditional South Indian sweet rice dish flavored with saffron, cardamom, and ghee, offering a rich aroma and a melt-in-the-mouth texture perfect for festive occasions.

Ingredients

1. 1 tablespoon cashew nuts
2. 1 tablespoon raisins
3. Few strands of saffron
4. 1 cup basmati rice
5. ½ teaspoon green cardamom powder
6. 1 tablespoon pure ghee
7. ½ cup sugar
8. 25 grams sugar crystals

Instructions

1. Prepare the Rice and Ingredients

   • Soak the basmati rice in water for about 30 minutes.
   • Dissolve saffron strands in a few tablespoons of warm water and set aside.

2. Fry Dry Fruits in Ghee

   • Heat ghee in a pan over medium flame.
   • Add raisins and cashew nuts, frying them until golden brown.
   • Remove the fried dry fruits from the pan and keep them aside for garnishing.

3. Roast the Rice

   • In the same ghee, add the soaked and drained rice.
   • Stir-fry gently until the rice grains start to separate and emit a light aroma.

4. Cook the Rice with Saffron Water

   • Pour 1½ cups of boiling water into the pan with the rice.
   • Add the saffron water for color and aroma.
   • Stir gently, cover, and cook on low heat until the rice is half done.

5. Sweeten the Rice

   • Once the rice is half-cooked, add the sugar.
   • Continue stirring to prevent sticking and cook until all the water is absorbed and the rice becomes soft and fluffy.

6. Add Final Flavor and Garnish

   • Mix in the green cardamom powder for fragrance.
   • Garnish the cooked Kesari Bhat with the fried cashews, raisins, and sugar crystals.

7. Serve Hot

   • Serve Kesari Bhat warm, as a delicious festive sweet or as part of a traditional South Indian meal.

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy Kesari Bhat with coconut chutney or on its own as a dessert — its rich ghee flavor and saffron aroma make it an irresistible delight.