Unique Festive Recipes: From Naral Vadi To Healthy Besan Laddoo And Mirchi Ka Halwa

August and September bring a slew of Indian festivals, each marked by a delectable array of sweets. If you're looking for something different, these unique festive recipes are for you.

Image used for representational purposes only.

Source : Getty

While the Indian subcontinent's vibrant culture celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, the months of August and September stand out as a time of unparalleled festivity. These celebrations are inextricably linked to the pleasure of indulging in traditional sweets known as mithai. People often seek something different from the usual and popular mithai offerings during this festive season, as the desire for novelty in culinary experiences grows. We have unique mithai recipes to elevate your celebrations, whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a foodie on the go.

Recipe 1: Naral Vadi

(By Chef Sunny Pawaskar, Founder & Chief Chef of Metkut & Regional Foods Pvt Ltd)

 

Naral Vadi (Image Source: Chef Sunny Pawaskar)

Ingredients:

• Shredded coconut: 1 kg
• Milk: 1 litre
• Mawa: 300 gms
• Sugar: 1 kg
• Elaichi (cardamom): 5 gms

Instructions:

1. Heat a pan on medium heat.
2. Add coconut and mix well.
3. Fry the coconut on medium heat for about 4-5 minutes to reduce moisture.
4. Add milk and sugar, mix well, and then add mawa.
5. Cook the mixture on medium heat for about 8-10 minutes until it comes together.
6. When the mixture forms a cohesive mass, turn off the heat.
7. Grease a plate with ghee, transfer the mixture, and spread it evenly.
8. Garnish with thinly sliced pistachios and almonds.
9. Allow it to set for about 7-8 hours, then cut into your desired shape. Your Naral Vadi is ready!

Recipe 2: Healthy Besan Laddoo

(By Tanya Mehra, Certified Child Nutritionist) 

 

Healthy Besan Laddoo (Image Source: Nutritionist Tanya Mehra)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ghee
• 1.5 cups fine besan (gram flour)
• 3 tsp (15ml) water
• 1/2 tsp elaichi (cardamom) powder
• 3/4 cup Dates powder (for sweetness)
• Nut powder (optional, for added health benefits)

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
2. Add besan and stir until it becomes liquidy.
3. Keep stirring on low to medium flame until it turns golden brown.
4. Add water, and when it thickens, switch off the flame.
5. Add elaichi powder, and let it cool.
6. Once cooled, add Dates powder and shape into laddoos.
7. You can also add nut powder for extra nutrition.

Recipe 3: Mirchi Ka Halwa

(By Chef Vikram Arora, Culinary Director & founder of Nksha Restaurant Churchgate)

 

Mirchi Ka Halwa (Image Source: Chef Vikram Arora)

Ingredients:

• 1 kg finely chopped Shimla mirch (green capsicum)
• 750 ml full cream milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup desi ghee
• Saffron strands
• Green cardamom powder
• Fried Chironji for garnishing
• Silver varq for garnishing

Instructions:

1. Blanch the chopped capsicum and strain.
2. In a pan, heat milk with capsicum until it reduces to halwa-like consistency.
3. Add ghee, sugar, saffron strands, and cardamom powder, and continue cooking.
4. When the mixture leaves the sides of the pan, remove from heat.
5. Garnish with fried Chironji and silver varq. Serve hot.

These unique recipes are sure to add a delightful twist to your festive celebrations. Enjoy!