Basant Panchami Special Kesar Kheer: The Perfect Prasad for Maa Saraswati

Special Kesar Kheer is a traditional, aromatic, and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for offering to Maa Saraswati on Basant Panchami. Here’s a simple step-by-step recipe to make this auspicious prasad at home.

Ingredients for Traditional Kesar Kheer:

• Full cream milk – 2 liters

• Basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes) – ½ cup

• Saffron (kesar) – ½ tsp

• Sugar – ½ cup (adjust to taste)

• Cardamom powder – 1 tsp

• Rose water – 2 tbsp

• Soaked raisins – 2 tbsp

• Chopped almonds – 2 tbsp

• Chopped pistachios – 2 tbsp

• Chopped cashews – 2 tbsp

• Dried rose petals (optional) – 2 tbsp

How to Make Traditional Kesar Kheer:

1. Boil Milk with Saffron:

   • Pour milk into a large pan and bring it to a boil.

   • Add saffron to the boiling milk; it will give a golden color and aromatic flavor.

   • Stir continuously to prevent milk from sticking to the bottom.

2. Cook the Rice:

   • Add the soaked basmati rice to the milk.

   • Reduce the heat and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the rice is soft and the milk thickens.

3. Add Sugar, Cardamom, and Rose Water:

   • Once the rice is cooked and the kheer has thickened, add sugar according to your taste.

   • Mix in cardamom powder and rose water. Cook for another 2–3 minutes and then turn off the heat.

4. Add Dry Fruits:

   • Gently fold in soaked raisins, chopped almonds, pistachios, and cashews.

   • Reserve some dry fruits for garnishing if desired.

5. Cool and Serve as Prasad:

   • Let the kheer cool slightly before offering it to Maa Saraswati as prasad.

This Kesar Kheer is rich, fragrant, and auspicious—perfect for celebrating Basant Panchami with devotion and sweetness.