As we approach the end of the year, we welcome the arrival of one of the major religious festivals celebrated by our Hindu, Sikh and Jain friends - Diwali. Celebrated on the 4th of November this year, Diwali, also known as the Festival Of Lights, is an annual religious festival originating from India that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. 

The Diwali festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness while honouring the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. That is why you often see many streets and homes lit up with lights, lamps and lanterns to help the goddess find her way into people’s homes in hopes of bringing prosperity and wealth in the year to come. 

While Diwali celebrations in 2021 may be celebrated differently this year due to the latest covid restrictions, the All Kurma team has come together to share two healthy recipes that can help your loved ones and yourself feel the Diwali spirit through your tummy!

What is Ladoo?

Dates Ladoos are a healthy and protein-rich dessert made from nuts and dates without any sugar, often served during festive and religious occasions. One of the simplest snacks you can recreate in minutes, Dates Ladoo are a great healthy alternative to satisfy your sweet tooth and keep you energised during your Diwali celebrations. 

Ingredients:

• 400g Pitless Date Crown Fardh
• 50g Springdale Cottage Baked Cashew
• 50g Springdale Cottage Baked Almond
• 50g Springdale Cottage Baked Walnuts
• 3 - 4 Cardamom Seeds
• 2 Tea Spoons - Ghee

Recipe: 

1. Lightly roast the nuts and grind it through a mixer (Ensure that it does not become a fine powder)
2. Crush the cardamom seeds and set it aside.
3. In a nonstick fry pan, add ghee and keep it on the gas stove. Once hot, add pitted dates and roast it on a low flame for 4 - 5 minutes. Remove the fry pan from the stove once you see a soft lump has formed.
4. Allow it to cool for a while and add the crushed nuts and cardamom powder slowly while continuously mixing. 
5. After mixing properly, you can make the mixture into Dates Ladoo balls by rolling on hands. Serve!

What is Quinoa Kheer?

Quinoa Kheer is a creamy and gluten-free dessert that is power packed dessert rich in iron, protein, fiber and magnesium. Delicious and easy to make, Quinoa Kheer is a great healthy dessert to make when sitting around the living room with your loved ones this Diwali.

Ingredients:

• 1 Carrot
• ¼ Cup Springdale Cottage Baked Almond
• ¼ Cup Springdale Cottage TriColour Organic Quinoa
• 1 ½ Cups Milk
• ¼ Cup Sugar (or per desired sweetness)
• ¼ Tsp Crushed Cardamom Seeds

Recipe: 

1. Cook the quinoa in a pressure cooker with little water. 
2. Cut the carrot into pieces and steam it.
3. Soak the almonds for 1 hour and steamed carrot pieces and put it into a food mixer to create a fine paste.
4. Boil milk until it becomes thick. 
5. In a nonstick pan, take thickened milk and mix it with the almond and carrot paste and cooked quinoa. Constantly stir the mixture over heat.
6. Stir in the sugar and cardamom seeds powder.
7. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool and refrigerate.
8. Top the Quinoa Kheer with almonds and serve!

If you would like to try your hand at the Dates Ladoo or Quinoa Kheer recipes we have shared, now is the time! From now till 6 November 2021, the All Kurma team has prepared 3 Diwali Special bundles that give you up to 10% off the ingredients you’ll need to enjoy these delicious treats!

Don’t forget to share your dishes on social media and #AllKurmaSG so we can see it!

From our All Kurma family to yours, we wish you a Happy Diwali.

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Sources: 

https://food.ndtv.com/lists/10-best-ladoo-recipes-1695834

https://showmethecurry.com/desserts/quick-quinoa-kheer.html