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As Diwali knocks the door with all its joyous festivity, the air smells of sweets and savoury treats. Be it a family get together or even a quiet celebration at home, food's going to always take the centre stage. Though traditional recipes are a must, no one stops you from adding a nutritious twist to your festive indulgence.
Dry fruits such as almonds, cashews, and makhana not only add unique flavours but also essential nutrients to your dishes. Almonds especially have a host of health benefits. They are rich in proteins, dietary fibre, and healthy fats. So, when you include dry fruits to your festive recipes, you can be sure you are doling out flavoursome treats with a healthy edge. From kheer to snacks, here are some simple, dry fruit-rich recipes that you can prepare at home and give your Diwali spread the hues of festivity while being nutritious.
Nutty Makhana Kheer
Ingredients:
1 cup makhana (fox nuts)
½ cup almond slivers
2 tbsp ghee
2 cups full-cream milk
A pinch of saffron strands
4 tbsp sugar
Method:
Start by roasting the makhana and almond slivers in ghee until golden and aromatic.
In a separate pan, heat milk and saffron strands, bringing it to a gentle boil.
Stir in the sugar and continue boiling until the milk thickens slightly.
Add the roasted makhana and almonds, cooking until the makhana softens.
Garnish with extra roasted almonds and serve hot or chilled for a delicious dessert.
This Nutty Makhana Kheer combines the traditional essence of Indian desserts with a healthy twist, thanks to the addition of almonds and makhana.
Creamy Rose Kulfi
Ingredients:
4 cups full-cream milk
½ cup sugar
½ cup almond meal
¼ tsp saffron strands
¼ cup dried rose petals
Method:
Gently heat the milk in a pan, allowing it to reduce to half its original volume.
Stir in the sugar and almond meal, mixing thoroughly for added richness.
Strain the mixture and add saffron strands and rose petals for aromatic flavour.
Once cooled, pour the mixture into kulfi moulds or bowls, and freeze until firm.
Garnish with roasted almond flakes before serving.
This creamy Rose Kulfi is an elegant, aromatic treat that brings a luxurious touch to your festive table, while almonds offer a creamy texture and added health benefits.
Spiced Almond Ragda Chaat
Ingredients:
1 cup white peas (boiled)
1 cup sweet potatoes (boiled and diced)
½ cup peeled almonds
½ cup pomegranate pearls
1 onion (chopped)
1 tomato (chopped)
Green chilies, coriander, chaat masala, red chili powder, lemon juice
Mint chutney and saunth chutney
Method:
Mix boiled white peas with onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and coriander. Season with chaat masala, red chili powder, and lemon juice.
In a separate bowl, toss boiled sweet potatoes, peeled almonds, and pomegranate pearls with saunth chutney and chaat masala.
Layer the white pea mixture on a plate, top with the sweet potato-almond mix, and drizzle with mint chutney.
Garnish with fresh coriander and serve.
Spiced Almond Ragda Chaat is a vibrant snack, combining the tangy, spicy flavours of traditional chaat with the crunchy, nutritious addition of almonds and sweet potatoes.
Badam Ki Shammi
Ingredients:
⅓ cup whole almonds (soaked)
½ cup soya granules
¼ cup chana dal (soaked)
1 onion (chopped)
1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
Spices: shahijeera, saunf, cinnamon, black cardamom
1-2 green chilies
Method:
Soak almonds, soya granules, and chana dal for 15 minutes.
Blend these with onion, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and spices into a coarse paste.
Cook the mixture in a pan until the dal softens and the water evaporates.
Shape the mixture into patties, pressing a whole almond into each one.
Shallow fry until golden brown and crispy.
Badam Ki Shammi offers a unique and protein-packed twist on traditional shammi kebabs, with almonds providing added texture and nutritional benefits.
Almond Rice Toss
Ingredients:
½ cup whole almonds
1 onion (chopped)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
1 green capsicum (chopped)
2 cups cooked basmati rice
1 tsp pav bhaji masala
Ghee, butter, coriander, lime juice
Method:
Roast whole almonds until golden and set them aside.
In a pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, and capsicum in ghee. Add pav bhaji masala and stir well.
Toss in the cooked basmati rice and mix thoroughly.
Add butter, freshly chopped coriander, and a splash of lime juice for extra flavour.
Garnish with roasted almonds and serve hot.
Almond Rice Toss is a fragrant, colourful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of festive meals, combining the crunch of roasted almonds with the tangy freshness of lime and coriander.
