Another sweet and delicious dessert yet so guilt free for this healthy Diwali , I would like to tempt you with my recipe for Dates and Semolina halwa. This is made of Oil, Dates and Semolina and can be made within 15 minutes. You can add nuts and raisins and modify to your choice. You can add half ghee and half oil for that special aroma. This dish is very humble and I have kept the recipe simple and basic. This dessert is great to curb sweet cravings for diabetics and a perfect chewy snack for expecting mothers. I keep a box of these in my refrigerator all the time for my mid day snack. It is filling and satisfies my sweet tooth without making any harm to my "Sugar-free"diet.
My mum makes this Halwa but she adds ragi flour instead of Semolina which is good for diabetics. This year for Diwali , I decided to make all the snacks guilt-free. This is one of those recipes which makes an amazing dessert without compromising on the richness and warmth of the festival celebration.
Once again, Hope this festival of lights bring you every joy and happiness. May the lamps of joy illuminate your life and fill your days with the bright sparkles of peace, mirth and goodwill. May the warmth and splendor, that are a part of this auspicious occasion, fill your life with happiness and bright cheer, and bring to you joy and prosperity, for the whole year. Have a joyous and safe Diwali. (*)
| Ingredients | |
| Dates Deseeded | 250 grams |
| Fine Semolina (Chiroti Rava) | 250 grams |
| Oil/Ghee | 2 tablespoons |
| Vanilla essence/cardamom powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Grated Almonds (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
- Soak deseeded dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Let the water be hot not warm.
- Blend the soaked dates to a fine puree using the same water it was soaked in.
- You can skip to this step when the dates are soaking. In a pan, heat oil and add semolina. Fry under low flame till it turns slightly brown.
- Transfer semolina to a plate so that it can cool for a while.
- Heat the same pan again, add dates puree and bring it to boil under low flame. Add semolina, mix well. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes under low heat.
- Keep stirring the mixture every minute till it stops sticking to the bottom of pan and forms a big lump. Add Vanilla essence or cardamom powder and give it another mix. Remove from flame.
- Let the mixture cool for a while before you take it on a clean surface to knead it. Once the mixture is warm enough to touch, knead it for 2 minutes.
- Spread the mixture and cut it into your desired shapes. Sprinkle grated almond for a special look.
- You can serve it hot or cold but it tastes best when it is refrigerated.
