Aval Kesari | Poha Kesari

Aval Kesari, or Poha Kesari, is a traditional Indian sweet dish made with flattened rice (aval or poha) and sugar. It is a popular dessert in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.

To prepare Aval Kesari, the flattened rice is first roasted lightly to give it a crisp texture. Then, it is cooked in a sugar syrup until it thickens and absorbs the flavours. Ghee (clarified butter) is added to enhance the taste and richness of the dish. Optional ingredients like saffron strands, cashew nuts, raisins, and flavourings like rose essence or cardamom powder can be included to add more depth to the dish.

Aval Kesari has a soft and grainy texture with a sweet and aromatic taste. It is often served as a dessert during festivals, religious ceremonies, and special occasions. The dish is known for its simplicity and quick preparation time, making it a favourite among many households.

Reasons to love Aval Kesari

Quick and Easy: Aval Kesari is a relatively quick and straightforward dessert to prepare compared to some other traditional Indian sweets. It doesn’t require extensive cooking or elaborate techniques, making it an ideal choice for home cooks looking for a hassle-free dessert.

Textural Delight: The unique texture of Aval Kesari is one of its standout features. The softened flattened rice provides a soft and grainy texture, creating a pleasant mouthfeel. Including roasted cashew nuts and raisins adds a delightful crunch and bursts of flavour, enhancing the overall experience.

Festive and Cultural Significance: Aval Kesari is significant in South Indian festivals and celebrations. It is often prepared during auspicious occasions, religious ceremonies, and festive gatherings.

Customization: Poha Kesari can be customized to suit personal preferences. You can adjust the sweetness level by increasing or decreasing the amount of sugar according to taste.

Leftover Aval Usage: Aval Kesari is a great way to utilize leftover flattened rice. If you have excess aval at home, making Aval Kesari is an excellent option to turn it into a delicious dessert rather than letting it go to waste.

Versatile Dessert: Poha Kesari is a versatile dessert that can be served on its own as a sweet treat, as part of a festive meal, or even as a breakfast dish. It can be enjoyed at any time of the day, and its soft and satisfying texture makes it appealing to people of all ages.

How to make Aval Kesari at home

Heat a pan. Add aval and dry roast for a couple of minutes. Let it cool down. Add the roasted aval to a mixer grinder. Grind it to a coarse powder.

Heat a pan and add ghee. Add broken cashew nuts and fry till it turns golden brown. Keep the cashews aside.

Now, add water to the pan and bring it to a boil. When the water boils, add the powdered aval. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.

When the aval is cooked, and water is absorbed, add saffron-soaked water. Mix well.

Add sugar and keep stirring. Add the cardamom powder and mix again.

Keep the heat on low and keep stirring. Add ghee and mix well. Keep stirring until the Kesari comes together without sticking to the sides of the pan.

Add the roasted cashew nuts and mix well. Aval Kesari is ready to be enjoyed. Switch off the flame and serve.

Tips to make the best Aval Kesari

When roasting the flattened rice , use low to medium heat to prevent browning. The aim is to crisp it up slightly and remove any excess moisture without changing its colour. Stir it continuously to ensure even roasting and prevent any burning.

The mixture should be soft, moist, and have a pudding-like texture. If it becomes too thick, add a little warm milk or water to adjust the consistency to your liking. Remember that the mixture will thicken further as it cools, so it’s better to have a slightly softer texture while cooking.

Adjust the amount of sugar according to your taste preferences. Start with the suggested amount in the recipe and taste the mixture before adding more. Some people prefer a sweeter Aval Kesari, while others prefer it slightly less sweet. Remember that the sweetness may intensify somewhat as the dish cools down, so keep that in mind when adjusting the sugar levels.

Use spices like cardamom powder or saffron strands in moderation to avoid overpowering the dish. Start with a small amount, taste, and add more if desired. You can adjust the flavours to suit your preference.

Aval Kesari can be served warm or at room temperature, depending on personal preference. If serving it warm, transfer it to serving bowls or plates immediately after cooking. If serving at room temperature, allow it to cool before serving. Remember that the dish will thicken further as it cools down.

Serving Suggestions

Warm or Room Temperature: Aval Kesari can be served either warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. If serving it warm, transfer it to serving bowls or plates immediately after cooking. Warm Poha Kesari offers a comforting and indulgent experience.

Garnishing: To enhance the presentation and add an extra touch of flavour, you can garnish Kesari with roasted cashew nuts, raisins, and a sprinkle of saffron strands. The golden hues of the nuts and the saffron strands create an appealing visual appeal and add a pleasant crunch to each bite.

Pairings: Aval Kesari can be enjoyed as a sweet indulgence. However, to enhance the experience, consider pairing it with other complementary items. For instance, you can serve this Poha Kesari alongside a piping hot cup of masala chai (spiced tea) or a glass of cold milk. The contrast in flavours and temperatures creates a delightful balance.

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