Carrot and Cabbage Bhujia
Yesterday marked the beginning of Diwali, the celebration commonly known as the “Festival of Lights”. It involves lighting small oil lamps (called diyas) and placing them around the home, in courtyards, gardens and on the walls built around the home.
The word Diwali is derived from Deepavali meaning “a row of lights”. Diwali is celebrated for five days. The uniqueness of this festival is it’s harmony of five varied philosophies, with each day dedicated to a special thought.
Many reasons can be attributed for the use of Diyas in Diwali. Lamp or “Deep” is the symbol of knowledge. Lighting the lamp of knowledge means to understand and reflect upon the significant purpose of each of the five days of festivities and to bring those thoughts into day to day lives. The lighting of lamps is a form of obeisance to God for the attainment of Health, Wealth, Knowledge, Peace and Fame.
Another legend says lighting of lamps symbolizes the spiritual light pervading the earth and the destruction of darkness and ignorance.
Diwali – The Festival of Lights
It was only when I moved to London that I learned about Diwali as I had a few friends that were celebrating the festival. This year I wanted to make something to pay tribute to my dear friends who are celebrating this week. When I asked a good friend what she likes to eat during Diwali, she replied either very sweet treats or savoury snacks that more often than not, tend to be deep fried. Ah! Oh Dear! I’m not really a fan of very sweet delicacies and there is a reason I don’t own a deep fat fryer (cue image of ballooning waistline!).
After doing a bit of digging I came up with two ideas: Spicy Masala Cashew Nuts and Carrot and Cabbage Bhujia. We always have a reserve of unseasoned nuts at home, whether it be pine nuts, cashew or walnuts and I love using spicy condiments to enhance the flavor. I am always on the lookout for eating alternative vegetarian side orders and the Carrot and Cabbage Bhujia fit the bill nicely. I know it’s not traditionally Diwali fare but I do like to experiment with different flavours and ingredients.
Firstly for the Spicy Cashew Nuts:
Ingredients: 150g whole unseasoned cashew nuts, 2 tsbp of butter, 1/2 tsp of red chilli powder, 3-4 pinches of garam masala, squeeze of lemon juice and salt to season.
Method: Heat butter in a frying pan, add cashews, fry till light brown on a low flame. Drain on kitchen paper. In a separate bowl mix together the red chilli powder, garam masala and salt. Toss the warm cashew nuts well in the spice mix and finish by squeezing a touch of lemon juice on the mix. For best results, consume immediately but will keep for 24 hours if stored in airtight container. You can of course, use ghee instead of butter for this recipe.
Spicy Diwali Snack
Next for the Vegetarian Side Order of Carrot and Cabbage Bhujia.
Print Carrot and Cabbage BhujiaPrep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serving Size: Serves 2 for Side Order
A tasty side order which leaves a mild long lasting peppery heat. A good way of getting children to eat vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp of cooking oil
- 1 tsp of whole black mustard seeds
- 1 dried red chili
- 200g of cabbage, finely sliced, I used Savoy Cabbage but any Cabbage will do.
- 300g of carrots, coarsely grated
- 1 green chili, cut into thin strips (remove seeds, if required)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 4 tbsp chopped, fresh coriander
- 1tbsp of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Heats the oil in a frying pan
- Sauté the mustard seeds and dried red chili for about 1 minute
- Add the cabbage, carrots and green chili.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir-fry the vegetables for about 30 seconds.
- Add the sugar and coriander, stir-fry for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the lemon juice.
- Remove the red chili before serving.
Notes
Who would have thought eating cabbage could be so tasty?
Schema/Recipe SEO Data Markup by ZipList Recipe Plugin2.0http://howtobeagourmand.com/alternative-bites-for-diwali/Unless otherwise stated, text and photographs © 2011 How to be Gourmand. All Rights Reserved. Kindly request permission from the author to copy or reproduce elements of this blog.I thought this was also a good way to incorporate my 5 a day.
I wanted to extend all my warm wishes to my friends celebrating Diwali around the globe. Happy Diwali!
Happy Diwali to all those celebrating
Photo credit: FreeDigital.net
For those of you participating and observing the festival, images of Diwali celebrations are being captured by CNN here
If you are looking for further Diwali inspiration, head on over to Monica’s delicious blog : A Life of Spice
What dishes would you make for Diwali? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments below.
