Yummy Besan Ladoo, Healthy Chikki, Baked Shankarpara and more. . . Festive Recipes, to Add Flavor to Your Celebrations

The joy of festivals lies not only in the traditions and rituals but also in the food that brings people together. Every celebration is an opportunity to indulge in delicious, heartwarming dishes that create lasting memories with family and friends. From savory snacks to decadent sweets, festive recipes reflect the essence of the occasion and its cultural significance. Whether you’re celebrating Navratri, Diwali, Christmas, Eid, or any special event, these flavorful recipes will enhance your festive spirit, filling your home with delightful aromas and your heart with joy.

Dive into the essence of festivity that capture the essence of the festival and bring happiness to every bite!

By Kumkum Naren

Art of living Happiness program & holistic cooking teacher

Date and Besan Ladoo

Serves 10 (medium-large sized)/ 18 (small sized)

Ingredients:

Chickpea Flour – 2 cups

Desi Ghee – ½ cup

Jaggery powder – 1 cup

Pitted Mejdool dates finely chopped – ¼ cups

Cardamom powder – ¾ tsp

Chopped nuts (cashews/almonds/pistachios) – 1 tbsp 

Method:

• In heavy based pan on low flame, add 1/4 cup of ghee and let it melt.
• Add the flour and mix for about a minute.
• Gradually in increments add the remaining ghee, stirring continuously.
• Initially, mixture will appear lumpy but keep mixing and over time it will become well incorporated and turn into a smooth paste.
• Add cardamom powder.
• Keep mixing until mixture will turn brown and now the flour is well roasted.
• The whole process should take about 20-25 minutes.
• Add the chopped nuts and mix well for about 5 minutes.
• Move the pan off the heat and keep mixing till it cools down slightly.
• Using a flat spoon, mix in powdered jaggery really well.
• Once jaggery has dissolved in mixture, add in dates and mix well.
• While mixture is still warm roll into lime-sized balls.
• You can put a pinch of chopped nuts on top of each ladoo and press it down.
• Store in an airtight container.

Healthy Kaju Katli

Serves 20

Ingredients:

Cashew nuts – 2 cups

Honey – 1 cup

Water – 1tsp

Edible silver foil – optional

Method:

• Dry roast the cashews in a skillet for about 5 mins stirring continuously.
• Once the cashews change in colour slightly turn off the heat and transfer them to a plate to allow them to cool to room temperature.
• Grind half the roasted cashew nuts to a coarse powder and half to a fine powder and mix together.
• Add the water and honey to a non-stick pan and heat until it bubbles, gently stirring continuously.
• Add cashew powder and stir continuously with a spatula until you get a thick mixture.
• Transfer mixture onto baking paper on a large tray.
• Flatten using rolling pin.
• Place in refrigerator for 3 – 4 hours until it sets.
• Once firm place silver foil on it.
• Cut into diamond shapes and devour.

Baked Shankarpara

Ingredients:

Whole-wheat flour – 1 cup

Jaggery powder – ¾ cup

Hot water – ½ cup

Butter – 3 Tbsp

Crushed fennel seeds – 1tsp (optional)

Method:

• Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
• Dissolve the jaggery in hot water in a bowl.
• In a separate bowl mix butter into wheat flour with your fingers.
• Add jaggery water and knead to dough.
• Optional– add crushed fennel seeds.
• Divide the dough into 3 parts.
• Roll each part into 3-4 mm thick discs.
• Cut into square pieces about 1 inch each.
  • Can be cut into smaller pieces too.
• Lay them apart on a baking paper on a baking tray and bake for 15-18 mins.
• Once cooled completely store in an airtight container.

Healthy chikki/Nut Clusters

Ingredients:

Halved Almonds – ¼ cup

Halved cashews – ¼ cup

Halved walnuts – ¼ cup

Halved pistachios – ¼ cup

Maple syrup – 4 Tbsp

Dark chocolate – 30g (optional)

Method:

• Mix all ingredients well in a bowl and set aside for 10 mins.
• Pre heat oven to 180°C.
• Line a baking tray with baking paper.
• Press down mixture into clusters/discs (2.5 x 2.5inches).
• Bake for 10 mins.
• Cool completely outside the oven – this helps them set/harden.
• Enjoy them as a snack or dessert.
• Optional
  • Melt chocolate in microwave in 30 second increments
  • Drizzle on top of ready nut clusters