By Rajlakshmi
February 5, 2026
This kesari halwa recipe is a rich Indian dessert made with semolina or sooji, pistachios, saffron, and ghee. The use of saffron gives it the kesari colour. Here is a super-easy recipe to try.
1 cup of semolina or sooji 1 cup ghee 1 cup sugar 10 cashew nuts 10 raisins ½ tbsp saffron strands 2 tbsp of warm milk ½ tsp cardamom powder ½ cup crushed pistachios
Heat the ghee in a pan. In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in milk for 10 mins.
Roast cashews and raisins until golden brown. Remove and keep aside.
In the same ghee, add semolina or sooji. Roast until light brown on a low flame.
Add sugar, saffron milk and cardamom powder. Cook until mixture thickens and starts lifting off the sides.
Garnish with pistachios, cashews and raisins. Serve kesari halwa, hot and aromatic!
Store the halwa in an airtight container. They can be stored for 3 -4 days.