Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganpati’s birthday marks the beginning of festive season in our country. t is celebrated for a period of 10 days. This year, it will be observed from 31 August to 9 September and the last day happens to be Ganesh Visarjan. 

It’s no hidden fact that Lord Ganesha loves his Prasad or Bhog and modak and ladoo tops the list. But it’s always good to move from the usual and give him something different. 

Executive Chef, Sandeep Panwar, DoubleTree by Hilton Gurugram Baani Square, Gurgoan says “Basundi and Karanji are traditional Maharashtrian desserts and are often relished during festivals. While Karanji is a crispy and flaky outer cover with sweet coconut stuffing, Basundi is made of sweetened, thickened milk with chopped almonds, cashews and pistachios. Spread joy and relish these special recipes with your loved ones on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi” – 

Basundi

Ingredients 

    1 litre Milk full cream

    2 nos Green Cardamom (whole)

    1 no Nutmeg (powder)

    50 gm Chirongi

    10 gm Cashew nuts (chopped

    5 gm Almond (slivered)

    5 gm Pista (chopped)

    Pinch of saffron

    Sugar as per taste

Method

    Simmer milk in thick bottom pan along with crushed cardamom and saffron till it is reduced by 60 percent

    Add chopped nuts and roasted chirongi

    Serve warm, hot or chilled and garnish it with slivered almonds and pista

Karangi


Ingredients                

    250 gms Maida                    

    125 ml Milk full cream        

For Filling

    2 nos Fresh coconut (grated)             

    50 gm Rawa                    

    25 gm Raisins                    

    20 gm Khuskhus                

    20 gm Chirongi                

    100 gm Sugar                                    

    3 gm Green cardamom pwd            

    500 gm Desi Ghee (for frying)        

Method

    Sieve maida, add rawa and knead to a semi-soft consistency using milk

    Dry roast grated coconut, khuskhus and rawa in a vessel until it gives a nice aroma

    Take off heat, let it cool and add raisins, chirongi, cardamom powder and sugar

    Divide the dough into equal size balls

    Flatten to round disc using a rolling pin. Add filling in the centre and close to form 

    Semi-circle. Neatly seal the edges in a pattern

    Deep fry in ghee at slow heat to golden colour

    Let it cool and store