Dairy-Free Kesari
Indulge in the rich, aromatic delight of Dairy-Free Kesari—a traditional Indian dessert reimagined for those avoiding dairy! This vegan twist on the beloved semolina pudding uses creamy coconut milk and fragrant coconut oil to achieve its signature luscious texture and flavor. Perfectly spiced with cardamom and infused with the golden hue of saffron, this recipe also features sautéed cashew nuts and plump golden raisins for added crunch and sweetness. Quick and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes, this plant-based kesari is a perfect festive treat or an anytime dessert. Whether served warm or at room temperature, every spoonful is a celebration of rich, nutty, and heavenly flavors—all without dairy.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Sooji (semolina)
- 2.5 cups Coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons Coconut oil
- 1 cup Sugar
- 0.25 teaspoon Saffron strands
- 0.5 teaspoon Cardamom powder
- 10 whole Cashew nuts
- 2 tablespoons Golden raisins
- 1 cup Water
Instructions
Begin by soaking the saffron strands in 1 tablespoon of warm water to release their color and aroma. Set aside.
In a deep pan, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over a medium flame. Add the cashew nuts and golden raisins, sautéing until the cashews are golden and the raisins have plumped up. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add the remaining coconut oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sooji (semolina) and roast it gently, stirring continuously until it turns a light golden color and a nutty aroma is released. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
In a separate pot, combine coconut milk and water. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil.
Once the semolina is roasted, carefully pour the hot coconut milk mixture into the semolina while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Be cautious as it may splutter.
After adding the liquid, reduce the heat to low and cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
Next, add the sugar and the saffron water. Stir well to combine and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture thickens further to a porridge-like consistency.
Add cardamom powder and mix well. Stir in the sautéed cashew nuts and raisins.
Cook for a couple of minutes until the oil starts to separate from the semolina mixture, indicating it is done.
Serve the Dairy-Free Kesari warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional cashew nuts and raisins if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2263 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.6 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 37.0 g | 185% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 209 mg | 9% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 417.6 g | 152% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.4 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 256.0 g | ||
| Protein | 27.1 g | 54% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 111 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 4.1 mg | 23% | |
| Potassium | 1167 mg | 25% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
