Aloo Tikki Magic
Aloo Tikki, a beloved Indian street food, is a delightful way to begin your Diwali culinary journey. These crispy potato patties are surprisingly simple
to make at home. Start by boiling potatoes until they are soft and easily mashed. Once cooled, mash the potatoes and mix them with finely chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, and a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander powder, and garam masala. Add a binding agent such as breadcrumbs or cornstarch to help the patties hold their shape during frying. Shape the mixture into small, flat patties. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry the Aloo Tikkis until golden brown and crispy on both sides. Serve them hot with chutneys like tamarind or mint-coriander for an explosion of flavors.
Dry Fruit Laddoo Joy
Dry Fruit Laddoos are a nutritious and festive sweet that adds a touch of elegance to your Diwali spread. This recipe often uses a mixture of dry fruits, nuts, and a touch of sweetness. The process involves roasting a variety of nuts like almonds, cashews, and pistachios to enhance their flavor. These are then coarsely ground or chopped. Dates or jaggery are usually used to provide the sweetness and bind the ingredients together; these are also often roasted to help bind the ingredients. The dry fruits and nuts are mixed, often with cardamom powder and other spices, and formed into small balls. These Laddoos are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthy treat during the festive season. They also have a long shelf life, perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout Diwali.
Kesar Badam Milk Delight
Kesar Badam Milk is a classic Indian drink that brings warmth and comfort, ideal for the Diwali season. This creamy beverage is typically made with milk, almonds, saffron (kesar), and a touch of cardamom. Start by soaking almonds in hot water to soften them, then peel and blend them into a smooth paste. Warm the milk in a saucepan, adding the almond paste and a few strands of saffron, which imparts a beautiful color and aroma. Add sugar or honey to sweeten the drink to your taste, and finish with a pinch of cardamom for an extra layer of flavor. Gently heat the mixture, stirring frequently until it's warmed through but not boiling. Serve the Kesar Badam Milk warm, garnished with a few chopped almonds and a pinch of saffron for an elegant touch. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Besan Chakli Crunch
Besan Chakli, a savory snack, is a staple during Diwali, celebrated for its crispy texture and flavorful taste. The dough is made from besan (gram flour), rice flour, and a blend of spices. The dry ingredients are mixed with spices like chili powder, asafoetida (hing), and carom seeds (ajwain), which add depth to the flavor. Gradually add water to the mixture to form a firm dough. Press the dough through a chakli maker to create the characteristic spiral shapes. Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the chaklis until they turn golden brown and crispy. Once fried, let them cool down to maintain their crunch. This snack is perfect for serving with tea or coffee during the festivities.
Coconut Barfi Bliss
Coconut Barfi is a sweet treat that melts in your mouth, making it a crowd-pleaser for Diwali. The recipe typically involves a few key ingredients: grated coconut, sugar, and milk (or sometimes condensed milk for a richer flavor). Begin by gently roasting the grated coconut in a pan until it turns slightly golden, which enhances its aroma. Add sugar and milk to the coconut and cook over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and leaves the sides of the pan. Transfer the mixture to a greased tray and spread it evenly. Garnish with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for a visual appeal. Allow the barfi to cool and set completely before cutting it into square or diamond shapes. This delightful sweet is easy to make and a favorite among all.
Shakar Para Sweetness
Shakar Para is a delightful snack that offers a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. These diamond-shaped treats are a popular addition to Diwali celebrations. The dough is made from all-purpose flour (maida), semolina (sooji), and a touch of sugar and salt. Mix the flour with semolina, add ghee or oil for a flaky texture, and then gradually add water to form a firm dough. Roll out the dough and cut it into small diamond shapes. Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the shakar paras until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oil and let them cool down before serving. Shakar Para is a perfect snack to munch on during Diwali gatherings and a delicious way to enjoy the festive spirit with loved ones.
