Diwali or the festival of lights in the biggest festival in India, celebrated all over the country. As a kid I used to start looking forward to Diwali months ahead of time. I would spend my pocket money on small, harmless firecrackers, taking them out every weekend to admire them. I remember the thrill I would feel at the idea of using the them. Being an army kid, my sister and I were separated from my father for years on end but I never felt lost or without a dad because my mother more than made up for it. She cooked delicious simple meals on Diwali and of course the sooji ka halwa which was one of the most often made desserts at my home.
We never celebrated Diwali like a lot of people do. It was just the three of us, my mom, sister and me. And, even though it was only the three of us, it was a special time. And still is to this day. Just the act of lighting a dia (tea light), is a spiritual experience for me.
This year too, that is exactly how I will celebrate Diwali and the days to its arrival. With dia’s and home cooked meals that are simple, nutritious and to die for!
This sooji ka halwa is like my moms and then again not because of my addition of bananas and and the deletion of ghee. The addition of fruit made it even more interesting to me. Hope you like it too! Happy Diwali my friends!
- 2 tbsps coconut oil
- ¾ cup semolina
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1½ cups hot water
- ½ cup coconut sugar
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup almonds, sliced
- In a non-stick pan, heat the coconut oil on medium heat. Add the semolina and roast it in the coconut oil while stirring continuously until it turns a golden brown. This should take 6-7 minutes.
- Next add the mashed banana and stir to mix completely. Cook for 2-3 minutes again and stir often.
- Lower the heat to low and add the hot water and stir to mix the water in. Add the sugar and mix again. Cook for 2-3 minutes. It should become a bit gluey.
- Eat warm topped with raisins and sliced almonds!
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Love your images and your recipe sounds so delicious. Happy November.