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India ยท Dessert

Kesari Bath

50 min
560 kcal
4 servings

By eatmundo ยท July 12, 2026

Kesari Bath๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณAI-generated image

Same ingredients, elsewhere in the world

9 matches

Dishes from other countries' kitchens, made from the same core ingredients as Kesari Bath. The percentage is the share of ingredients the two recipes have in common.

Same technique: Sweet porridge30 recipes from 12 countriesSee all 9 matches

A vibrant, aromatic semolina dessert hailing from Karnataka, infused with saffron and studded with nuts. It is a celebratory dish often served at breakfast or during festivals.

According to eatmundo's ingredient comparison, the closest dish to Kesari Bath from another cuisine is Halva Zaferani (Iran): the two share 73% of their ingredients.

Ingredients

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Adapt this recipe:
4 servings

How to Make It

  • 1

    Heat 100g butter in a non-stick pan over medium heat until it bubbles slightly.

  • 2

    Add 200g semolina and roast it carefully, stirring constantly for 7-8 minutes until it turns light golden.

  • 3

    Meanwhile, boil 600ml water with a pinch of saffron threads in a separate small pot.

  • 4

    Carefully pour the boiling water into the roasted semolina, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.

  • 5

    Lower the heat and add 150g sugar, stirring until the mixture becomes smooth and shiny.

  • 6

    Continue to cook for 4-5 minutes until the semolina absorbs the water and pulls away from the pan sides.

  • 7

    Stir in a handful of fried cashews and raisins to add texture and crunch.

  • 8

    Serve warm in small bowls, optionally garnished with extra nuts or a tiny piece of edible silver leaf.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kesari Bath?

Kesari Bath is a sweet semolina dessert from India prepared with sugar, butter, saffron, cashews, and raisins. It is typically served as a breakfast item or as a celebratory dish during festivals and special occasions.

Which type of semolina is best for Kesari Bath?

Use fine-grained semolina, often labeled as 'rava' or 'sooji,' to achieve a smooth and creamy texture rather than a gritty one.

How do I prevent lumps from forming when adding the semolina?

Carefully pour the boiling water into the roasted semolina while stirring constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps.

How do I know when the semolina is perfectly cooked?

The dish is done when the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan and the semolina grains look translucent and soft.

Can I substitute butter for ghee?

While you can use butter, authentic Kesari Bath relies on ghee for its distinct, rich nutty aroma and silky mouthfeel.

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