Diwali with a Millet Twist - Bajra Ki Halwa

 Happy Diwali from my family to yours!

Holidays/ festivals are better with family and friends. This year is the first time in a while that I was home with my parents on Diwali. We ate pheni, drew rangoli, lit diyas, made sweets, and did fireworks. We're continuing the celebration into the weekend when my sister and husband join us too. Check out the 'sweet' recipe we made today. Hope you enjoy it! 

Bajra ki Halwa (Pearl Millet Flour Halwa) - Gluten Free

Pearl Millets are rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals; above all, they are gluten-free. 

Ingredients

• ½ cup (80 g) Bajra flour
• 2 Tbsp less ½ cup (80 g) sugar
• 5 Tbsp Ghee (Clarified butter)
• 1 and 1/4 cup water
• 1 Tbsp coconut powder (desiccated)
• 10 to 12 cardamom pods, seeded and powdered
• 8 Roasted cashews, coarsely chopped
• 1/8 cup sliced almonds

Preparation

1) Heat ghee in a small skillet and add bajra flour and stir constantly until the ghee is mixed in. Roast the flour in ghee until a nutty aroma is felt (3-5 minutes), stirring all the time to avoid over roasting or browning. 

2) Add water and sugar and keep mixing until the water is absorbed (2-4 minutes) and the flour thickens into halwa. Continue on low heat and mixing as the halwa thickens further and forms a silky smooth lump without sticking to the walls of the skillet. 

3) Mix in coconut and cardamom powder and ¾ of almonds and cashews and stir for another 1 to 2 minutes and transfer the halwa into a bowl or a plate to cut into pieces. After transferring into a plate, using a spatula press the halwa flat and evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cashews and almonds and slightly press them in. 

4) Allow it to cool for 30 minutes and cut them into the desired shape of squares or diamonds.  

Alternately transfer into a serving bowl and garnish the halwa with the remaining cashews and almonds. Enjoy the warm halwa in the cold winter; it boosts your strength with nutrition. 

Chinese Bitter Melon and Potato Stir Fry

Be honest. Have heard of bitter melon (Chinese) before? If yes, how many of you like bitter melon? 

We love it! It's healthy and good for you. We also find it less bitter than the Indian bitter melon (or karela).  

There are so many ways to enjoy bitter gourd; you can stir fry it, stuff it, or even make a chutney with it. How do you enjoy bitter melon?  

I didn't know there were different types of bitter melon until my mother-in-law gave me a tour of her garden. She has the magic touch and patience to grow them.

I tried growing them this year, but mine only grew to the size of a potato. While hers can grow up to 8 or 9 inches in length. 

I'm still a novice, but I'll get there someday. For now, I get all my bitter gourds from her and make yummy dishes. Don't forget to check out the Bitter Melon and Potato Stir Fry recipe below:

Ingredients

• 1 large Chinese bitter melon 
• 1 small potato, peeled and chopped into 1/2" slices
• 1 small to medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 3/4 tsp dry garlic chutney
• salt (as per your taste)
• Fresh cilantro/coriander (optional), chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1) Chop the bitter melon once lengthwise and then into 1/4" thick slices (as shown below).

Place the bitter gourd pieces in a bowl, sprinkle a little bit of salt and water over them, and microwave for 2 minutes. 

2) Heat oil (on medium flame) in a medium saucepan and add onion and potato. Sprinkle a little bit of salt and stir fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until the potatoes are soft. 

3) Then, add bitter melon, and cover with a lid. (Note: Add more oil if necessary; to prevent the mixture from burning). Stir every few minutes until onions, potatoes, and bitter melon are caramelized for about 8 to 10 minutes. Next, add dry garlic chutney powder and continue to stir fry for another 3 to 4 minutes. 

4) Switch off the heat and add fresh cilantro/coriander. Serve hot with rice or roti.

Quick Tips

- We like using dry garlic chutney in our curries (i.e. Stuffed Eggplant) to make them spicy. I also like sprinkling it over avocado toast. It gives it a little kick, just the way I like it. This product is also available on Amazon*. Click on the image for the link. 

*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.