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Poha Namkeen: This is yet another special Diwali recipe that can be enjoyed with a hot cuppa tea or coffee on a cold evening. I have not fried the poha/chivda here. If you wish, you can fry the poha.I have made the sweet and tangy version here by adding powdered sugar and citric acid powder but it is completely optional. Ingredients: Thin Poha-1.5 cups Groundnuts-4 teaspoons Cashewnuts-2 teaspoons Almonds-1 teaspoon Curry leaves-10 or12 leaves Red chilli-2(optional) Cumin seeds/jeera-1 teaspoon Sesame seeds/til-2 teaspoons Asafoetida/Hing-1/4 teaspoons Oi/Ghee-to fry the nuts and curry leaves(3tablespoonsapprox.) Salt-To taste Sugar powder-2 teaspoons(optional) Citric acid powder-1/4 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon Dried coconut-cut into thin strips-7-8 Method: -Take a heavy bottomed iron pan and heat it on medium flame. -Add the poha and dry roast it on low-medium flame for 4-5 minutes and take it out of the pan. -Now, add oil/ghee to the same pan and fry the nuts, sesame seeds,...

Wheat Shakarpare: This diwali try making this traditional snacks. It's quick and easy to make. I have made the shakarpara with wheat, you can substitute wheat and corn flour in 50:50 proportion. ingredients: -whole wheat flour-1.5 cups -water/milk-1 cup -sugar-3 tablespoons -oil for frying and to make the dough -Knife to cut the shakarpara Method: -Heat the water or milk in a pan and add sugar. -Stir the mixture to dissolve the sugar and let the mixture cool. -Take a big bowl and add the wheat flour. -Add 2 teaspoons of oil and mix it with the flour. -Now ,pour the sugar and water mixture little by little with the help of a spoon to make a semi -soft dough. -Allow this dough to rest for 15-20 minutes by covering the vessel with a lid. -Knead the dough again and cut it into 2 equal portions. -With the help of a board and rolling pin roll the portion of the dough to make a chapatti. -The  chapatti rolled should be little thick. -Take a knife and cut the chapatti into strips and verti...

Falafel is a famous appetizer from the middle-east which is is popular in many parts of the world.It is usually made from fava beans mixed with some spices,herbs and onions.You can use chickpeas instead of fava beans.Falafel tastes best with pita bread and tahini sauce(Sesame seeds sauce). Ingredients: Chickpeas-2 cups,soaked overnight Fresh parsley-1/2 cup,finely chopped Green coriander leaves-3-4 teaspoons,chopped Garlic-8-10 cloves,peeled and crushed Onions-1 small,chopped Cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon Black pepper-a generous pinch Red chilli flakes-2 teaspoons Salt to taste Oil-2 cups,for frying Method: -Soak the chickpeas in water for 8-10 hours or overnight. -Take a mixie jar and add all the above ingredients except oil and blend to make a smooth paste. -Heat 2 cups of oil in a pan and deep fry the falafels taking small portions at a time. -Serve then in pita bread with some cut onions,lettuce and pickled vegetables.

 This is another easy to make recipe with spring onions and crispy fried potatoes cooked in a  garlic and red chilli sauce. Chilli-garlic potatoes is one of my favorite and this recipe tastes great with noodles.You can cut the potatoes into cubes or simple wedges.If you do not have fresh red chillies then use dried red chillies soaked in warm water for at least 30-35 minutes. Ingredients: Potatoes-4 Medium Garlic-8-10 cloves Red chilli-8 Tomato ketchup-1/2 cup Salt-to taste Water -1/4 cup Spring onions-1/4 cups,finely chopped Oil-2 cups for frying the potatoes and 2 teaspoons for cooking Cornflour-3 teaspoons Method: -Grind the red chillies and garlic to make a fine paste. - Mix this paste with 1/2 cup of tomato ketchup by adding 1/4 cup of water to it.Mix well and keep aside. -Peel and cut the potatoes into the desired size and dust cornflour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to it and mix well with hands. -Heat a pan and add 2 cups of oil and fry the potatoes ...

Pulses play an important role in our daily diet.The nutrient -rich pulses are high in protein and are also easy to digest.A recent study has shown that people who consume pulses on a regular basis are less prone to coronary heart diseases. This salad recipe is a mix of 3-4 types of pulses along with some vegetables like carrots and tomatoes. Ingredients: Green Moong dal-1/4 cup,sprouts Horsegram-1/4 cup,sprouts Bengal Gram-1/4 cup,boiled Carrot-3 teaspoons,grated Cucumber-1 small,grated Tomatoes-1 medium,finely chopped Onion-1 small, finely chopped Green chillies-2,finely chopped Sev bhujia- 3 teaspoons Lime juice-3 teaspoons Black salt- 1/2 teaspoon Fresh coriander leaves-3 teaspoons,finely chopped Method: -Soak all the pulses in water separately for8-10 hours or overnight. -Wrap the green moong ,bengal gram and horse gram  separately in a damp cloth and allow it to rest for a day. -Boil the bengal gram in a pressure cooker with 4 cups of water and a teasp...

 (Photo credit: su-lin ) Diwali is a festival of lights.It also signifies the victory of good over evil.Diwali is incomplete without sweets and snacks.In my coming posts I will be sharing some tasty yet healthy diwali recipes. Namakpares,also known as flour crackers are small handy diamond pieces or crunchy triangles are a popular festival recipe.It is made from flour and cut into diamond shaped strips or folded into triangles and deep fried in oil.This recipes also makes a great evening snack.It stays fresh for weeks if stored in a dry air tight jar. Ingredients:  All purpose flour-1 1/2 cups Wheat flour-1 cup Black onion seeds(Kalonji)-1/2 teaspoon Oil-2 teaspoons for the dough and 2 cups for frying the namakpares Salt-1 teaspoon Water-to make dough Baking soda(sodium bi-carbonate)-1/2 teaspoon Method: -Take a big bowl and add both the flours,salt,kalonji,baking powder and 2 teaspoons of oil. -Mix well with hands for 5-6 minutes.Do not add any water at thi...

Paneer or cottage cheese is packed with protein.This simple and healthy curry recipe is made with  fresh home made tomato puree which is a good source of antioxidants.I've used milk instead of water for the gravy.The curry tastes great with a healthy Vegetable Pulao. Ingredients: Paneer-200 grams Green Peas-1/4 cups,boiled Tomatoes-2 medium sized Onion-1 small size,chopped Green chilli-1,chopped Ginger-1 very small piece,finely chopped Milk-1/2 cup Turmeric powder-1/4 teaspoon Kasuri methi-1 teaspoon Garam masala-a generous pinch Salt to taste Olive oil/vegetable oil-1 teaspoon for shallow frying the paneer cubes and 2 teaspoons for the curry Method:   -Cut the paneer into medium sized cubes. -Boil the tomatoes in water for 6-7 minutes and cool and take the skin out. -Cut and blend the boiled tomatoes to make a puree. -Add the green chillies,ginger and onions in a mixer jar and make a smooth paste. -Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a pan and shallow fry the pa...

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Horsegram also known as Kulith is a reddish brown colored bean usually grown in dry agricultural areas in India.This legume is high in protein,vitamin C and iron.Horsegram sprouts is made by soaking the legume in water for 8 to 10 hours and  wrapping it tightly in a damp cloth and letting it germinate.It usually takes a day for the horsegram to develop small roots or sprout. I have cooked the kulith sprouts in water with a little salt and mixed it with a very light tempering of onions and some fresh grated carrots and coconut. I usually pack this in my son's snack-box.We also have it as evening snacks often. Ingredients: Horsegram sprouts-1.5 cups Onion-1 small size,finely chopped Green chilli-1,finely chopped Carrot-1/2 piece,grated Coconut-2 teaspoons,shredded Lime juice-1.5 teaspoon Salt to taste Water-5 cups,for boiling Oil-2 teaspoons For Tempering: Cumin seeds-1/4 teaspoon Curry leaves-5-6 Dry red chilli-1(Optional) ...

Chickpeas are a great source of protein.This chickpeas(Kabuli chana) curry has been my favorite.You can adjust the water to make a gravy a little thick or thin.Chole can be had with puris,naans or simply with a delicious vegetable or peas pulao. Ingredients Chickpeas(Kabuli chana)-2 cups Tomato-1 large,ripe,diced Onion-1 medium,finely chopped Green chilli-1,slit Bay leaves-2 Cumin seeds-1/2 teaspoon Coriander powder-2 teaspoons Kasuri methi-1 teaspoon Turmeric powder-1/2 teaspoon Dry ginger powder(saunth)-1 teaspoon Garam masala-1/4 teaspoon Vegetable/Olive oil-3 table spoons Coriander leaves-2 teaspoons,chopped Water-1.5 cups salt to taste Tea leaves-1 teaspoon,to be added while boiling the chickpeas Method - Soak the chickpeas in 5-6 cups of water for 8-10 hours or overnight. -Pressure cook the soaked chickpeas with another 6-7 cups of water,2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of tea leaves.Cook for 2-3 whistles. -Heat a pan and add oil and cumin seeds.When t...

The carrot halwa recipe that i'll share today is very healthy as i have used very little oil/ghee and have completely skipped using condensed milk and khoya.Instead of sugar,i've used sugar free.The other ingredients remain the same. Smart Tip to Grate Carrots If you find it difficult to grate the carrots ,you can simple cut the peeled carrots into  small pieces and blend them in a mixer or blender without adding any water to make a coarse paste. Ingredients Grated Carrots-6(Washed and peeled) Milk-5 cups Raisins-10-12 Slivered almonds-4-5 Casewnuts-5-6 Cardamom-2 crushed Vegetable oil/ghee-3 teaspoons Sugar free powder-2.5 teaspoons Method -Grate the carrots and keep them aside. -In a pan put3 teaspoons of oil and add the grated carrots to it.Keep stirring till the raw smell of carrots is gone and the water from the carrots is dried. -Now slowly add milk to the cooked carrot and mix well.Cover the pan and keep stirring occasionally till the milk starts boil...