A quick and delicious Indian dessert made with roasted vermicelli, ghee, sugar, and nuts. Vermicelli Kesari, also known as Semiya Kesari, is a sweet South Indian dessert made with vermicelli (semiya) instead of the traditional rava (semolina). It’s similar in texture to kesari bath but has a unique bite and appeal due to the thin strands of vermicelli. This dessert is quick to make and perfect for festive occasions or sudden sweet cravings.
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Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a pan.
Add vermicelli and roast on medium heat until golden brown and aromatic.
If using pre-roasted vermicelli, roast lightly for better flavor.
Remove and keep aside.
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp ghee.
Fry cashews until golden.
Add raisins and fry until they puff up.
Remove and set aside.
Add water to the pan and bring it to a boil.
Add a pinch of food color if using.
Once boiling, add the roasted vermicelli.
Cook on medium heat until the vermicelli turns soft and the water is absorbed.
Reduce heat to low and add sugar.
Mix well – the mixture will loosen as the sugar melts.
Stir continuously and cook until it thickens again.
Add ghee gradually while stirring.
Add cardamom powder and the fried cashews and raisins.
Mix well until the kesari leaves the sides of the pan and looks glossy.
Roasting vermicelli in ghee enhances flavor and prevents it from becoming mushy.
You can adjust sugar to your sweetness preference, but a 1:1 ratio gives traditional results.
Once sugar is added, don’t overcook or it may turn hard after cooling.
Don’t skip ghee – it adds shine, texture, and flavor.
Can I use pre-roasted vermicelli?
Yes, you can use pre-roasted vermicelli, but roasting it lightly again enhances the flavor.
Is the food color necessary?
No, the food color is optional and only used for visual appeal.
Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?
Yes, you can use almonds or pistachios as a substitute for cashews.
How do I prevent the kesari from becoming hard?
Avoid overcooking after adding sugar and ensure to use enough ghee for a soft texture.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes, you can replace ghee with a plant-based butter or oil to make it vegan.
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