10 Delicious Recipes You Can Make with Kesar

Kesar, also known as saffron, is one of the most luxurious and aromatic spices in the world. With its rich golden hue and unique floral taste, kesar is a staple in many Indian dishes, desserts, and beverages. Whether you’re preparing a traditional meal or experimenting with fusion recipes, saffron can elevate your dish to a whole new level. Here are ten delicious recipes you can make with kesar:

1. Kesar Pista Kulfi

Kulfi, a beloved Indian frozen dessert, becomes even more indulgent with the addition of kesar and pistachios.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups full-fat milk

• 1/2 cup condensed milk

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions:

1. Boil milk in a pan until it reduces to half.

2. Add sugar, condensed milk, and cardamom powder, stirring well.

3. Mix in the saffron-infused milk and pistachios.

4. Pour into kulfi molds and freeze for 6-8 hours.

5. Serve chilled and enjoy!

2. Kesar Badam Milk

This warm and soothing drink is perfect for winter nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk

• 10 almonds (soaked and peeled)

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Blend almonds into a smooth paste.

2. Heat milk in a pan, add almond paste, and let it simmer.

3. Stir in sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder.

4. Serve warm, garnished with sliced almonds.

3. Kesar Rasmalai

A luxurious dessert that melts in your mouth!

Ingredients:

• 10 rasgullas

• 2 cups full-fat milk

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

• Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions:

1. Boil milk and reduce it to half.

2. Add sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder.

3. Squeeze excess syrup from rasgullas and add them to the milk.

4. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Garnish with pistachios and chill before serving.

4. Kesar Pulao

A fragrant rice dish that pairs well with rich curries.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice

• 2 cups water

• 1 tbsp ghee

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm water)

• 1-inch cinnamon stick

• 2 cloves

• 2 tbsp cashews and raisins

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add cinnamon and cloves.

2. Add rice, saffron water, and salt.

3. Cook until the rice is fluffy.

4. Garnish with fried cashews and raisins.

5. Serve hot with dal or curry.

5. Kesar Halwa

A rich and aromatic halwa infused with saffron.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup semolina (sooji)

• 2 cups milk

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

• 1/4 cup ghee

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Instructions:

1. Roast semolina in ghee until golden brown.

2. Add warm milk, stirring continuously.

3. Mix in sugar, saffron milk, and nuts.

4. Cook until the mixture thickens.

5. Serve warm and enjoy.

6. Kesar Sandesh

A Bengali sweet that’s light yet flavorful.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup paneer (cottage cheese)

• 1/4 cup powdered sugar

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Knead paneer until smooth.

2. Add powdered sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder.

3. Shape into small rounds or squares.

4. Chill before serving.

7. Kesar Malai Lassi

A rich and creamy yogurt-based drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup yogurt

• 1/4 cup milk

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

• Chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Blend yogurt, milk, sugar, and saffron milk.

2. Pour into a glass and top with nuts.

3. Serve chilled.

8. Kesar Paneer

A delicious saffron-infused paneer curry.

Ingredients:

• 200g paneer (cubed)

• 1 onion (pureed)

• 1 tomato (pureed)

• 1/4 cup fresh cream

• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)

• 1 tbsp ghee

• Spices (cumin, turmeric, garam masala, salt)

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee and sauté onion puree.

2. Like it