Wishing all my readers a very happy, safe and prosperous Diwali! 🙂

Its that time of the year where you just throw caution to the wind about those extra calories and go for some serious sweet indulgence. It was always about new clothes, crackers, sweets, and more sweets; so much of fun with friends and family. Diwali was not a big occasion in Kerala but since I grew up in Bangalore, got to see and experience the festival in its full glory.

Kesari may not a special Diwali sweet, but I always look for an excuse to make it. This sweet semolina fudge is so easy to prepare. Here is my humble take on this ever-popular South Indian Sweet!

You need –

• Rava/Semolina – ½ cup
• Fine sugar – ½ cup
• Ghee/clarified butter – 5 tablespoons
• Hot water – 1 & 1/3 cups
• Green cardamom powder – a pinch
• Cashews/raisins – 2-3 tablespoons
• Food color – 2-3 drops (you can you orange or yellow color)

How to –

In pan heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and fry the cashews/raisins till golden. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan add another 2 tablespoons of ghee. Once the ghee is heated through add the rava/ semolina and fry over medium heat till the raw smell is gone. Takes about 8-10 mins.

Now gradually add the hot water while stirring continuously to ensure there is no lumps. As soon as the water is all observed and the mixture starts to come together, add the sugar, food color, cardamom powder and the remaining ghee. Mix till everything is well combined and the mixture comes together. This takes about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the fried nuts and raisins. Turn the heat off and into the serving bowls and enjoy!