Kesari Bhath (Saffron Rice) (sweet)

Kesari Bhat (Semolina with saffron) (Sweet)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of Semolina 
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1/2 cup of almonds
  (chopped)
• 5-6 tablespoon chopped pistachio
• 1/2 cup of raisins
  (washed)
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 2 pinches of saffron
  (soaked in 1 tablespoon of warm milk)
• Yellow food colour (few drops) (optional)
• 3-4 tablespoon ghee
• 2-3 cups of Water

Preparation:

1. Heat ghee in a large heavy pan, add semolina. 
2. Stir and roast on low flame for 7-8 minutes.
3. Put water to boil simultaneously, add sugar, bring to a boil. 
4. Add boiling water to the semolina, little at a time and stir continuously.
5. Take care to protect hands from the spluttering.
6. When mixed well, check semolina grain between fingers and taste for sweetness.
7. Adjust sweetness, and add more boiling water if the grain is hard. 
8. Save a small amount of almonds and pistachio for garnishing. 
9. Add the remaining ingredients (almonds, pistachio, raisins, cardamom
   powder, saffron & ghee) cover and simmer till the ghee separates.
10.  Add colour if desired and mix well. 
11. Grease a steel bowl, pour it with hot semolina preparation & press inside it, and
    un-mould onto a plate.
12. Garnish with rest of almonds and pistachio and serve hot.