Those moong lentils sitting in your cupboard have been trying to say something. Let me out… play with spices and cook me crunchy. Fried in oil, moong dal can transform into a crispy, nutty, savory snack. Reach for something crunchy when you need snack. If you haven’t heard of Masala vada, allow me to do the honors to introduce. Masala vada is South Indian crispy, savory fried snack. It is one of most crowd cheered festive snack. Which makes its appearance in every home on a festival day, entertaining smiley family and friends. If you haven’t tried this snack yet, also allow me to introduce to all-natural step-by-step recipe. This is dangerous knowledge.
Hemp hearts, pistachio laddu
Did you know hemp seeds are from the same species as cannabis (marijuana)? Hemp and Marijuana are species of Cannabis that are both members of the Cannabis Sativa family. Hemp contains a very low concentration of THC, while Marijuana is high in THC. Hemp seeds have a long list of health benefits. They are highly nutritious, rich in good fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Because of their mild, nutty flavor, they are versatile to use in salads, as toppings or in desserts. Eat them raw or roasted. Hemp hearts are vegan, vegetarian, keto friendly, paleo friendly, gluten-free and diabetic friendly. Hemp hearts are a great addition to the divine Diwali festive season.
Hemp hearts are high in Omega-6 compared to flax, while flax is high in Omega-3. Hemp seeds without shell are commonly called Hemp hearts. Hemp hearts are exceptionally high in essential fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6, protein and fiber.
Paala undrallu
This dish is natively made for Ganesh Chaturthi festival in southern parts of India. Popularly known as paala undrallu (Milk modak). Ganesh Chaturthi is a 10-day-long festival every year. It is the most popular festival of Maharashtra. It is said Ganesh Chaturthi was started by Chhatrapati Shivaji and It is been celebrated since the days of Maratha rulers: Satavahana, Chalukya, and Rashtrakuta. Now it is mainly celebrated in southern states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh. Among them, Maharashtra is the state known for high scale celebrations.
Ganesh Chaturthi is also known as ‘Vinayaka Chaturthi’ or ‘Vinayaka Chavithi’ is celebrated by Hindus around the world as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is celebrated on 4th day of Hindu lunar calendar month of Bhadrapada maasa. Which is usually in mid-August to mid-September. Kudumulu or Undrallu are steamed sweet rice balls made of rice flour, Jaggery, typically made Andhra Pradesh state in India.
Bandaru (Tokkudu) Laddu
Bandaru Laddu is also known as Thokudu Laddu – one of Andhra’s most favorite sweet. They are originated in a place called “Machilipatnam” in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. The so-called modern day Machilipatnam used to be called “Bandaru”. Hence the name Bandaru Laddu. These laddus made by pounding the fried besan murukus. In the Telugu language which is spoken in the state of Andhra Pradesh Pounding is called tokkudu. Hence the name Tokkudu Laddu. Bandaru laddu, with its striking and smooth velvety texture melt right in your mouth.
Like most cultural celebrations, food forms a major part of the Diwali experience. Carts sell sweet and spicy food on nearly every street throughout the festival, and families and friends watch the festivities or relax afterwards over sweets. Food is also a major part of the Indian identity. Children grow up at their mothers’ apron strings, watching as families come together to cook and chat. As adults, they return to bring the family recipes to life and catch up on everything that’s happened between visits. To cook Indian food is a window into what it is to be Indian, and I intend to give each of my readers that authentic experience.
Flax, poppy seed and coconut laddu
I am a huge fan of traditional boondi laddu’s. Because they are deep fried and then dipped in white sugar syrup, they are obviously high in calories, and they carry bad calories. Bad calories meaning it is from oil and sugar. For these reasons boondi laddu’s are not in my festival food list. Instead I started making quiet yummy laddu’s with other healthier ingredients yet no compromise in taste. They are all-natural, diet -friendly laddu’s. For those who have diet restrictions don’t have to think much to eat. Just relax enjoy the festive season. They carry healthy calories, as minerals (magnesium, potassium, iron),Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber. They are also good source of proteins.
Flax seeds are known to reduce blood pressure, hyper tension. They improve eye, kidney, skin, hair and nail health. Remember flax seeds also improves women’s and men’s health. From fitness perspective, adding whole flax seeds to your diet is nothing but adding all-natural good protein.
Laddu can be compared to bliss balls, truffles in western world. To be more precise, no-bake, no chocolate bliss balls or no-bake, no chocolate truffles. Flax, poppy seed and coconut laddu is all-natural and high quality dessert you can ever have. It is perishable. Will stay fresh for 3-4 weeks. Freshness can be extended by refrigerating.
Minapa pappu batukamma saddulu
In the state of Telangana, monsoon rains starting in June till October, bring plenty of water into the lakes, rivers. Many colorful flowers as gunugu, tanged, banti, chamanti bloom everywhere. Women arrange these flowers in a tower shape in a plate called batukamma. Groups of women sing and dance around the batukamma. The festival begins 9 days before the Saddula Bathukamma which falls two days before Dussera. Women sing and dance all 9 days and immerse batukamma them in near by lake or pond. On the last day of 9 days of batukamma, men bring huge quantities of flowers and women make huge batukkammas. Large group of women gather, sing and dance around batukamma.
Nuvvula saddi
అసలీ బతకమ్మ పండగ ఏమిటి?
బతుకమ్మ తెలంగానోల్లకు షానా పెద్ద పండగ. బతుకమ్మ పండగను తొమ్మిది రోజులు జేస్తరు. దసరాకు రెందు దినాల ముందస్తది. వర్షా కాలంలో వర్షాలు పడ్డంక రోడ్డెమ్మటి తంగేడు పూలు, గునుగు పూలు బాగా పెరగ బడతయి. గవాటితోని బతుకమ్మ ని పెద్దగ పేరుస్తరు. పసుపు తోని గౌరమ్మ ని జేషి దాని పైన బెడ్తరు.
In the state of Telangana, monsoon rains starting in June till October, bring plenty of water into the lakes, rivers. Many colorful flowers as gunugu, tanged, banti, chamanti bloom everywhere. Women arrange these floweres in a tower shape in a plate called batukamma. Groups of women sing and dance around the batukamma. The festival begins 9 days before the Saddula Bathukamma which falls two days before Dassera. Women sing and dance all 9 days and immerse batukamma them in near by lake or pond. On the last day of 9 days of batukamma, men bring huge quantities of flowers and women make huge batukkammas. Large group of women gather, sing and dance around batukamma.
Batukamma karivepaku saddulu
This is the time of the year 9 sacred days are celebrated in large scale. Though they are called different names, celebrated differently, worshipping avatars of Durga is common. Navratri, Mysuru Dasara, Batukamma, Kullu Dussehra, Durga Puja, Nadahabba etc. This high-spirit festival is celebrated in many different ways. Some fast, some feast, some jagaran (not sleeping thru the night), some dance every night, some worship with high devotion.
Batukamma palli saddi
Bathukamma is a unique flower festival celebrated in the state of Telangana, India. It is a highly enthusiastic festival, especially for women. It represents Telangana’s culture. Bathukamma is a beautiful round flower arrangement with colorful seasonal flowers stacked in the shape of temple gopuram. The arrangement signifies the Gouri goddess Bathukamma. Flowers used to make Batukamma are Bera, Thangedu, Thamara, Gunugu, Banthi, Gummadi, Kanakambaram, Mandhara, and Ramabanam. Women arrange floral batukammas beyond their creativity. Women dress up in their best, expensive pure silk sarees, wear jewelry. In the evening, all women carry plates of flowers to a nearby lake, arrange all in a circular shape. They dance around batukammas clapping rhythmically with traditional songs praising the goddess and to take birth again.
Panchamritham – all time favorite festive offering
Panchamritham is a liquid sweet, which is offered to God during worship or Puja in Hinduism. This sweet mixture is made of five ingredients. Pancha is 5, amrutham is nectar. In Hindu Mythology Nectar (Amrutham) is a divine food of Gods which gives them Immortality.5 ingredients are honey, jaggery, milk, yogurt, and ghee. It is made at home and at temples as a luxurious offering to God during worship. Panchamritham is filled in a bowl and kept in front of God idol representing that we are offering it god. Rest is offered to guests. In certain regions, yagna is performed, and panchamrit is offered to God by pouring it on fire.
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