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. Add tomato puree and spices.
3. Mix in cream and saffron milk.
4. Add paneer cubes and simmer.
5. Serve with naan or rice.

9. Kesar Sheer Khurma

A festive vermicelli pudding infused with saffron.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup vermicelli
• 2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
• Chopped nuts and dates

Instructions:

1. Roast vermicelli in ghee.
2. Add milk and sugar, cooking until thick.
3. Stir in saffron milk and nuts.
4. Serve warm or chilled.

10. Kesar Shrikhand

A creamy and delicious yogurt-based dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup hung curd
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 tsp saffron strands (soaked in warm milk)
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Whisk hung curd until smooth.
2. Add sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder.
3. Chill before serving.

Conclusion

Kesar adds a luxurious touch to every dish, from sweet desserts to savory meals. Whether you’re making a rich dessert or an aromatic rice dish, a pinch of saffron can enhance both flavor and presentation. Try these recipes and experience the magic of kesar in your cooking! For the best quality saffron, check out Chukde Kesar/saffron for an authentic and rich experience.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Question)

What is the best way to use kesar?

Culinary Uses

• Biryani and Pulao
• Desserts like kulfi and gajar ka halwa
• Curries and Gravies
• Lassi and Sharbat

Beverage Recipes

• Kesar Chai
• Kesar Milk

What dishes is saffron good for?

Saffron is a versatile spice used in various dishes, including:

Desserts

• Kulfi
• Gulab Jamun
• Rice Pudding
• Baklava

Savory Dishes

• Biryani
• Paella
• Risotto
• Kebabs

Beverages

• Saffron Lassi
• Saffron Tea

What not to mix saffron with?

Here are some things that you should avoid mixing with saffron:

1. Lemon or vinegar
2. Boiling water
3. Overpowering spices like garlic, onion, or chili peppers, etc.
4. Fermented foods like yogurt or kefir
5. Iron-rich foods

What is the use of kesar in food?

Kesar (saffron) is a prized spice used in various cuisines. Its uses include:

• Coloring agent for dishes like biryani and desserts
• Flavor enhancer with a subtle earthy taste
• Aroma addition to rice-based dishes, desserts, and beverages

Commonly used in traditional Indian dishes like biryani, gulab jamun, and ras malai.