Kesari is a sweet dish that is quite famous in south India. Easy to cook and delicious, it is one of those desserts that is frequently made on special occasions.
It is interesting how a new variation can elevate the taste and aroma of this traditional sweet. Orange kesari, with its vibrant color and fresh taste is sure to impress everyone at home. Also called orange sheera. The recipe mainly uses rava or semolina as the main ingredient. And as the name gave it away, the second main ingredient is orange.
Orange Kesari tastes great when they are served warm. Store them in an insulated casserole, one that would keep the fragrance and flavor both intact.
Health Benefits
Oranges are rich in citrus limonoids, proven to help fight different kinds of cancer including that of the skin, lung, breast, stomach, and colon. Since oranges are full of soluble fiber, they are helpful in lowering cholesterol. Oranges are full of potassium, an electrolyte mineral responsible for helping the heart function well.
Ingredients
1 cup rava (semolina)
2 cups water
1 ½ cup fresh orange juice
4 pinches orange food color/kesari powder
1 ½ cup sugar, adjust to your taste
8 tbsp ghee
15 raisins
15 almonds
2 tsp cardamom powder
15 cashew nuts
How To Make Orange Kesari Recipe
- Dry roast the almonds and grind them coarsely. Keep aside.
- Dry roast the rava until it turns golden brown.
- Heat water in a separate pan until it boils.
- Add the food color and sugar.
- Turn the flame to medium, once the sugar is dissolved.
- Add the roasted rava slowly. Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
- Add the freshly extracted orange juice and almond powder once the mix thickens.
- Keep mixing until the rava is cooked well.
- Meanwhile, heat ghee in a small pan.
- Add raisin, cashew, and cardamom.
- Once the cashews turn golden brown, add the ghee mixture to the kesari and mix well.
- Serve while it is warm.
Trivia
The precise composition of kesaribhat varies regionally, depending on the availability of ingredients. The dish might also be prepared with pineapple or banana, mango, coconut, or rice.