Deepavali, commonly known as Diwali, is the celebration of the festival of lights. Every year those who celebrate gather around to share love and light with this festival that lasts between five and six days. Homes are lit up with beautiful clay lamps and a stunning firework celebration lights up the skies at night. The festival is rich in colour, as are the clothes and the sweetmeats. Many homes exchange boxes of delicious baked goods and sweetmeats with each other on this auspicious day.
Let’s look at some of those delicious treats.
Gulab jamun
This sweet and sticky treat is made from flour, ghee, and condensed milk. It is sometimes round, sometimes oval, depending on how each home makes it. It’s dipped in sticky syrup made out of rose water and finished off with coconut sprinkled on top.
Jalebi
This is an extremely sweet treat made from cornflour or gram flour, all-purpose flour, syrup, ghee, baking soda, and rose essence. Jalebis are spiral in shape and bright orange, adding to the rich colour of the celebration. They are extra crispy and bring sweet smiles all around.
Burfi
This creamy delight is made from condensed milk, Klim, cream, and some cardamon. It can be cut into any shape, and colour is added to share in the festive cheer. Bits of coloured almonds are usually sprinkled on top. A perfect treat to have after a meal.
Laddoo
These balls of sweetness are made from gram flour, ghee, cardamon, and milk. Sometimes nuts, raisins, or coconut are added to the laddoo, depending on one's acquired taste. They are a symbol of happiness in Indian culture.
Nankhatai
These are Indian shortbread biscuits made from semolina, flour, and cardamon. It has a crisp, lovely texture and is usually finished off with its signature almond in the centre. Goes perfectly with a cup of chai tea.
In season 3 of MKRSA Craig and Nevi served up some delicious Nankhatai, made from scratch to their guests. They nailed the recipe and everyone loved this treat.
What is your favourite Diwali treat? Share them with us using the hashtag #MKRSA. Catch more food and drama on Sundays on My Kitchen Rules SA at 18:00 on M-Net 101.