Rava Kesari(Sooji Halwa), also known as Kesari Bath, is a traditional South Indian dessert made with semolina (rava), sugar, ghee, and flavored with cardamom and saffron. It’s often prepared during festivals, offered as prasadam in temples, or served as a sweet treat during breakfasts.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup semolina (Bombay rava)
- ¾–1 cup sugar
- 2½–3 cups water (or water + milk mix)
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- A pinch of saffron strands or orange food color
- 4–5 tbsp ghee
- 10–15 cashews
- 10–15 raisins
Preparation Method
- Roast cashews and raisins: Heat 2 tbsp ghee in a pan. Fry cashews till golden, add raisins and fry until they puff up. Remove and set aside.
- Roast rava: In the same ghee, roast rava on medium-low heat until it turns aromatic. Do not brown it.
- Boil water: In another vessel, boil 2.5 to 3 cups of water. Add saffron or food color.
- Add water to rava: Slowly pour the boiling water into the rava, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Cook rava: Let it cook on low flame until the rava absorbs all the water. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Add sugar: Stir in the sugar. The mixture will loosen initially, then thicken.
- Add flavor and ghee: Add cardamom powder, remaining ghee, and the fried cashews and raisins. Mix well.
- Rest: Turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- Roasting rava properly is key to avoiding a sticky texture.
- Add sugar only after the rava is fully cooked.
- Use half water and half milk for a richer version.
- You can experiment by adding mashed fruits like banana or pineapple for unique flavors.
Health Benefits
- Quick Energy Boost: Made with semolina (sooji), which is rich in carbohydrates, Rava Kesari provides instant energy — ideal during fasting or as prasadam.
- Good Source of Iron: Semolina contains iron, which helps improve hemoglobin levels.
- Improves Digestion: Sooji is light on the stomach and easy to digest.
- Healthy Fats: Ghee used in the recipe provides healthy fats that support brain and joint health.
- Mood Enhancer: The aroma of cardamom and ghee can uplift mood and appetite.
Note: While it’s nutritious in small quantities, Rava Kesari is still a sweet dish and should be consumed in moderation.