Too Tired to Cook? This Semolina Mix Turns Into

Rava Kesari

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Quick Summary

When one thinks of Diwali, the celebration of lights is accompanied by an intense craving for sweets and desserts. This article will explore a shortcut method for making Rava Kesari, a classic South Indian dessert. This dessert is made easier with a pre-made semolina mix, a clever invention that simplifies the process without compromising on traditional taste.

Deep Dive   

Rava Kesari is full of comforting memories and festive feelings. A popular dessert in South Indian households and temples, it’s also a close cousin of North India’s suji ka halwa. It is uniquely made with generous use of ghee and dried fruits, along with its vibrant orange colour from saffron. This article will explore a shortcut method of making Rava Kesari using a pre-made semolina mix, a clever hack that turns a traditionally time-consuming dish into a quick and easy fix.

This quick and easy Rava Kesari is perfect for those times when you're short on time but nevertheless want to make a classic dish (without bringing it from the local halwai).

Why to Use a Semolina Mix?

In the hustle and bustle of Diwali Puja and firecracker celebration, cooking can sometimes feel tedious. For this recipe, you don't have to toast semolina. Instead, you can use a pre-mixed semolina blend (readily available in Indian supermarkets and grocers) that includes sugar and saffron. Half the work goes into preparation, and the results are sweet and golden rava kesari. You can still add ghee, almonds, or any other twist you like.

Even though this method seems simple, there are a few things to consider, such as roasting the nuts in the ghee and constantly stirring to prevent lumps and get the perfect rava consistency.

Ingredients you need to make Rava Kesari:

• Rava Kesari/Semolina Mix: 1 cup  
• Hot water: 2-2.5 cups (as per packet instructions)
• Ghee: 2 tbsp 
• Cashews and raisins: 1/2 cup
• Saffron strands: 2-3
• Cardamom powder (Optional)

Step-by-step Guide to Make Rava Kesari Using Semolina Mix 

- Making Shortcut Rava Kesari has never been easier with this guide:

- Take a non-stick pan and place it over a medium heat. Melt one tbsp of ghee in it.

- Toast dried fruits, such as cashews and raisins, and set them aside to cool.

- To bring out the flavours, whisk in the Rava Kesari Mix for 30 seconds in the same pan.

- Avoid lumps by slowly pouring in hot water and stirring constantly. Stir gently as the mixture may bubble.

- After approximately five to six minutes of stirring, the mixture should thicken and start to pull away from the edges of the pan.

- Give it one more stir, then add the fried nuts. If you're in the mood for something decadent, add another spoonful of ghee and a pinch of cardamom powder.

- To make it more festive, serve it hot or reheated in individual bowls and top with saffron.

Tip: For a natural burst of colour and fragrance, soak saffron strands in warm milk or water for 5 to 10 minutes before using.

Variations You Can Try

- Adding pineapple pieces can be a distinctive yet wonderful variation to try with Rava Kesari.

- To bring a festive feel, you can also add a splash of rose water after turning off the heat and once the dessert is ready.

- If you want to impress kids, you can throw in some chocolate chips or cocoa powder towards the end for a chocolatey flavour.

- Try adding desiccated coconut for extra richness and a subtle tropical taste, like it's Diwali in Kerala.

The variations can be endless, and this dish will remain a classic in whatever ways you choose to make it. It is most often served with South Indian meals like dosa and vada, and it’s sure to be enjoyed with family on the festive night.

Serving Rava Kesari Right

Diwali is all about good food, and what is equally important is how it is served. Savour the decadence of this sweet treat by serving it warm, with guests wanting to ask for another bowl thanks to its fragrant ghee and cardamom smell that can fill the room. You can also give it some character by making a mould out of it. Start by lightly coating a small cup with ghee and then add the rava kesari mixture to it. Turn the mould upside down onto the serving dish for an eye-catching plating.