Deepaval-Eat Time!
DEEPAVALI IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!
It’s time for the stretchy pants to come out to play (it’s okay, we don’t judge – we probably do the same). We Malaysians love celebration, no matter the race or culture. This year, the festivities differ a little, and we hope everyone is having a safe one, indoors. But you know what hasn’t changed? THE FOOD!
So little time, so much to eat! Here are some of the MUST HAVES this Deepavali. You can even look up these recipes online and try them for yourself! (And while you’re at it, here’s a Deepavali video you MUST WATCH!)
1. Murukku
This is just something that you cannot miss every Deepavali! The name derives from the Tamil word for “twisted”, which refers to its shape. It is made out of rice and urad dal flour.
2. Nei Urundai
These little flour balls are one of the oldest traditional recipes, made out of green gram dal, chardamom, sugar and ghee.
3. Ladoo
SUPER SWEET and made of flour, ghee/butter/oil and sugar, with other ingredients that vary by recipe, like chopped nuts or dried raisins.
4. Samosas
Deep fried and crunchy on the outside, soft and warm fillings such as potatoes, lentils, or even meat inside!
5. Gulab Jamun
Gulab = rose. Jamun = berry.
These sticky-sweet deep-fried milk powder dough balls definitely aren’t for those on a diet.
6. Thosai
Every Malaysian has had to have tried this. Made of fermented batter, it looks somewhat like a crepe, but is made of rice and black gram.
7. Jelebi
This sweet has a somewhat chewy texture with a crystallized sugary exterior coating. Citric acid or lime juice is sometimes added to the syrup, as well as rose water.
8. Mutton Curry
MUTTON AND CURRY. No more has to be said.
9. Idli
Steamed rice cakes, usually eaten with savoury curries or chutney (coconut based sauce)
10. Omapodi
This all-time favourite jar snack is laced with the delicate aroma and flavour of ajwain or carom seeds, and BEWARE: it’s extremely addictive.
11. Adhirasam
This doughnut-like pastry is usually made of rice flour, jaggery, butter and pepper.
12. Appam
Thin pancakes with a thick soft middle, made of fermented flour and coconut milk.
13. Achi Murukku
This snack is made of flour, coconut milk and sugar and is crunchy as ever!
14. Halwa
Sweet dessert pudding usually made of carrot, beetroot or semolina.
15. Kesari
Made of semolina, sugar, ghee, water and milk, this sweet usually contains cashews and raisins and is definitely a sweet-tooth favourite!
16. Puttu
This steamed rice cake is cooked with coconut shavings and can be eaten with curry, bananas, and even sugar!
17. Kaju Kathli
A sweet that is often cut into diamond shapes and decorated with edible silver coloring. Kaju Katli translates as cashew slice. It is made with cream, sugar and ground cashews.
18. Vadai
Fritters made of flour and a whole load of spices!
19. Palkova
This sweet is the essence of all milk dessert.
20. Coconut Candy
Made of pure coconut and sugar, this sweet is so addictive you won’t be able to stop eating!
21. Pakoda
Crispy onion fritters mixed with loads of spices, a perfect snack to munch on!
22. Mysore Pak
LOTS of ghee, sugar, gram flour and cardamom are used to prepare this mouth-watering sweet.
23. Poori
Unleavened dough deep fried into puffed up bread, usually eaten with curry or bhaji, which is dhal and potatoes.
24. Rasmalai
Balls of cream cooked in syrup and milk, stuffed with saffron, pistachios and kheer.
25. Briyani
A wholesome rice dish, cooked with plenty of spices and meat, an all-time favourite!
26. Payasam
This pudding is made of boiled rice, broken wheat, tapioca, or vermicelli with milk and sugar; it is flavoured with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios or almonds.
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