Diwali, the five-day Festival of Lights’ extravaganza kicks off on October 25 for Hindu communities around the globe. This holiday is centered on the ideals of fun, family and fantastic food. To celebrate Diwali in style this year, sample some of India’s most common dishes to eat with your family or give as Diwali gifts.
Chhanar Payesh A traditional favorite, featuring milk as the main ingredient can be made quite easily following this recipe.
Ingredients:
1 litre 2% milk
1 12 oz. can condensed milk
2 tbsp cane sugar
1 1/2 cups water
2 tbsp walnuts
2 tbsp raisins
2 tbsp lime juice
Preparation:
In a medium-sized bowl, add lime juice to some of the milk.
Pour just enough sugar in water to prepare a thin layer or syrup.
Heat the syrup and add it to the milk and lime juice mixture.
Pour milk mixture into a deep pan or Dutch oven and bring to a boil.
Next, add the condensed milk and simmer for about 2 minutes. Remove the milk and lime juice from heat and allow it to cool.
With a spoon, stir well and blend vigorously the whole mixture, then transfer to a chilled bowl.
Sprinkle on top the nuts and raisins. Refrigerate for some time and serve chilled.
Besan Ladoo this mouth-watering pastry is easy to make and even easier to devour!
Ingredients:
4 cups white flour
1-cup ghee
2 cups cane sugar
1 tsp powdered cardamom
1/2 cup chopped almonds and raisins
Preparation:
Heat the ghee in a pan.
Add the gram flour and fry it on a medium-low heat stirring continuously.
Once the mixture turns brown, remove it from heat and, let it cool.
Add powdered cardamom and sugar. Mix well.
Add chopped almonds and raisins.
Shape into ladoos (doughnut holes) and serve.
Lapsi (Bulgur Sweet)
Ingredients:
1-cup wheat
2 1/2 cups boiling water
2 tablespoons sliced almonds
3/4-cup cane sugar
1-teaspoon cardamom powder
3/4-cup ghee
Preparation:
Heat the ghee in a Dutch oven, and then add wheat.
Saut the mixture on a high flame till it turns pinkish brown.
Add the water, stirring continuously until the water has evaporated from the mixture, about 5 minutes.
Once all the water has evaporated, add the sugar, ghee and 1/2-cup water. The lapsi is ready when the ghee starts oozing out from the sides of the pan.
Serve hot garnished with blanched almonds and pistachios.
These sweet treats are sure to be a hit during your holiday festival of lights!
