Make your Diwali, thodi aur meethi, with delectable recipes shared by Woolworths

The core principles on which this festival of lights is based  is the triumph of good over evil, the victory of light over darkness and the coming together of all colourful cultures into one’.  Diwali is not just a festival, but every reason to celebrate the goodness of togetherness with our loved ones.

Woolworths understands the relevance of the biggest Indian festival and its significance in the community.

Woolworths General Manager for Grocery Food Ewan Shearer said; “Diwali is an important time of year for many of our customers to celebrate with loved ones. While this year may look a little different as the pandemic carries on, our teams have been working hard to ensure customers have all the ingredients and products they need to celebrate.

“We have a variety of local and international products, offering great value to help our customers during their busy preparations leading into the Diwali festivities.

“On behalf of Woolworths, I would like to wish the entire community a very happy Diwali.”

Woolworths has also been supportive of the unparalleled place this festival holds in the hearts of the Indian community, and the importance of food on this special day.

Having the customary kuch meetha or dessert is a must for it to be a – Shubh Diwali, and therefore, Woolworths in collaboration with Melbourne-based Chef Sumit Malhotra, presents irresistible recipes of ‘Kaju Katli’ and ‘Gulab Jamun’ for you to try and gorge on! So, with the festive season around the corner, brace yourself up for a sweet-crispy affair, loaded with love and happiness!

Woolworths has everything you need to celebrate Diwali this year. Visit www.woolworths.com.au/diwali for participating stores and products. 

Kaju Katli

Ingredients

1 cup natural cashews

200 g caster sugar

1/3 tsp ground cardamom

1/3 cup milk

4 drops rosewater

1 tsp ghee
8 sheets edible silver leaf
Ingredient tip
Tip:  Traditionally the recipe is made using kewra water, but rosewater is an adequate substitute.

Description

This sweet and nutty Indian dessert recipe uses rosewater for a beautiful flavour and fragrance. Whip up a batch of kaju katli to enjoy at a picnic or at home.

Method

Step 1 of 5

Using a food processor, process cashews and sugar, in batches, to a fine powder. Sieve into a bowl. Process again any larger pieces of cashew and add to bowl. Add cardamom and stir to combine.

Step 2 of 5

Place cashew mixture in a large non-stick frying pan with milk and rosewater. Cook, stirring, over medium-low heat for 35 minutes or until mixture comes away from the side of the pan. To test if the mixture is cooked, place 1/2 teaspoon on a cold plate and wait until safe to touch. The mixture is ready if you can roll it into a ball.

Step 3 of 5

Place mixture in the centre of a silicone mat (see Tips). Knead it to smoothen out the texture by rolling and folding the edges of the mat over the mixture and putting slight pressure as the mixture is very hot. Be careful as directly touching the mixture can burn your hands. A silicone mat between your palm and dough helps you to knead safely.

Instruction tip

Tip: If you don’t have a silicone mat, transfer the hot mixture to a large sheet of baking paper. Stand for a few minutes as the mixture is very hot. When still hot but safe to touch quickly, knead the mixture using sides of baking paper to protect your hands.

Step 4 of 5

Flip a stainless steel tray over and spread ghee onto the back of the tray. Place hot mixture on the back of the tray, then cover with mat and roll out until 1cm-thick.

Step 5 of 5

Decorate with edible silver leaf. Using a large knife and the picture as a guide, cut it into diamond shape sizes. Serve diamonds with any offcuts.

Gulab Jamun

Ingredients

2 cups full-cream milk powder

1/3 cup plain flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1 cup pure cream

2 cups white sugar

3 cardamom pods

pinch saffron threads

4 drops rosewater

 Ingredient tip

Tip: Traditionally the recipe is made using kewra water, but rosewater is an adequate substitute.

2 cup ghee (to deep-fry)

2 cup vegetable oil (to deep-fry)

Description

Whether gulab jamun is an old favourite or a new dessert recipe you’re keen to try, this easy and aromatic version is sure to please.

Method

Step 1 of 6

Sieve milk powder, flour, and baking powder into a large bowl.

Step 2 of 6

Gradually add cream, kneading until a soft dough forms. If cracks appear, continue kneading or add more cream until dough softens. Cover dough and stand for 15 minutes.

Step 3 of 6

Place sugar, cardamom, saffron, and 2 cups water in a large saucepan. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high and bring to  boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, without stirring, for 10 minutes or until sugar syrup thickens slightly (sugar syrup shouldn’t be very thick). Remove from heat and stir in rosewater.

Step 4 of 6

Place enough ghee and oil, in equal parts, in a large wok or saucepan so it comes up 5 cm up the side of the pan. Heat over medium-low heat (use a big enough wok as gulab jamun will expand upon frying).

Step 5 of 6

Divide dough into 15 portions and roll each into a smooth ball (if there are cracks, the gulab jamun may crack further during frying).

Step 6 of 6

Add balls to the oil mixture. Using a spatula, keep rotating the oil mixture without touching the balls until balls rise to the surface (see Tips). Increase to medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 15 minutes or until balls are golden brown. Remove balls with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined. Add balls to hot syrup. Cover and stand for 4 hours. Serve.

Instruction tip

Tip: The temperature of the oil mixture is medium-low to start with and this is the most tricky part of the recipe because at this temperature all gulab jamun settle down at the bottom of the wok/saucepan. The rotating technique with a spatula is used to agitate oil in circular motion repeatedly without touching the gulab jamun and once they rise to the surface within 1 minute, then increase the heat.

Committed to making your Diwali even more special and memorable. Woolworths is offering an expanded range of Indian products that include snacks, spices, atta flour, ghee, and other cooking ingredients to help create flavourful special dishes during the festive period.  

The items are available in over 250 stores nationally or you can order online from the comfort of your homes.  To know more visit: www.woolworths.com.au/diwali

आपको दिवाली की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएँ – Woolworths