Diwali: A Culinary Start
Diwali festivities invariably revolve around an array of culinary offerings. The joyous occasion provides an ideal backdrop for families to come together
and prepare or enjoy traditional delicacies. This year, add a personal touch to your celebration by making some of these amazing dishes. With a little effort and time, you can present your friends and family with a truly delightful and festive experience. These recipes will help you enjoy the Diwali season with unique dishes. Embrace the spirit of Diwali and share the joy through the warmth of home-cooked meals.
Perfecting the Mathri
Mathri is a classic Indian snack, a must-have during Diwali. Begin by taking 2 cups of all-purpose flour in a bowl. Add ½ teaspoon of ajwain seeds, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of ghee. Gently rub the ghee into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Now, slowly add water, kneading the mixture into a firm dough. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for about 30 minutes. Once rested, roll out the dough to a thickness of about ¼ inch. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into desired shapes. Heat oil in a pan and deep fry the mathris on medium heat until they turn golden brown. Remove and serve the crispy and delicious mathris. This recipe makes roughly 20-25 mathris, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Savoring the Chakli
Chakli, a crunchy and savory spiral snack, is another Diwali favorite. Start by combining 1 cup of rice flour, ½ cup of besan (gram flour), and ¼ cup of urad dal flour in a bowl. Add ½ teaspoon of asafoetida (hing), 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, and salt to taste. Mix well. Next, add 2 tablespoons of hot oil to the dry ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly. Slowly add water to the mixture and knead into a smooth dough. Fill a chakli maker with the dough and press it into hot oil in a circular shape. Fry on medium heat until the chaklis turn golden brown and crispy. Drain the excess oil and serve hot. This recipe usually yields about 15-20 chaklis, perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.
The Delightful Ladoo
Ladoos are synonymous with Indian festivals, especially Diwali. To make besan ladoos, begin by dry roasting 1 cup of besan (gram flour) in a pan on low heat until it turns fragrant. Add ½ cup of ghee gradually, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to leave the sides of the pan. Now, add ½ cup of sugar and mix well. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. Shape the mixture into small round ladoos. Garnish with chopped nuts if desired. These ladoos can be stored for up to a week. The soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture of besan ladoos makes them an instant hit. This recipe generally gives about 10-12 ladoos.
Making the Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian dessert, always makes Diwali special. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of milk powder, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, a pinch of baking soda, and a tablespoon of ghee. Mix well. Add milk to the dry ingredients, kneading them into a soft dough. Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15 minutes. Shape the dough into small balls. Heat oil in a pan and fry the gulab jamuns on low heat until they turn golden brown. Prepare a sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water with a few cardamom pods. Soak the fried gulab jamuns in the warm sugar syrup for at least an hour. Garnish with chopped pistachios. These delicious gulab jamuns will add sweetness to your Diwali celebrations, and this recipe typically makes around 20-25 pieces.
Kheer for Celebrations
Kheer, a creamy rice pudding, is a beloved dessert for Diwali. Begin by soaking ½ cup of basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. Boil 1 liter of milk in a pan. Add the soaked rice and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the milk thickens. Add ½ cup of sugar, a few cardamom pods, and a pinch of saffron strands. Cook for another 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios. Serve the kheer warm or chilled. This recipe is simple and creates a satisfying dessert for the festive season, perfect for sharing with your loved ones. The result is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dessert that will be enjoyed by everyone.
