Diwali is just around the corner and we have already started having elaborate Diwali parties and gatherings. Everyone is busy attending and hosting parties, with amazingly curated festive menu. Snacks, starters, drinks, sweets and everything else on our plates make the parties more happening. But have you ever wondered, what if your Diwali menu was so unique that it would stand out in the host of other gatherings? How can you do that?
Since festive season in India means sweets and more sweets, what better way to celebrate this festival than by preparing something unique and delicious for your loved ones? Fill your home with a wonderful aroma during this festival of lights by making delectable & healthy hemp-based Diwali sweets. Here are some delicious & healthy hemp-based Diwali sweets recipes from Santosh Tamang, Head Chef, The Hemp Factory.
Hemp Besan Ladoo
Ingredients:
● 1 Cup Besan/Gram Flour
● ¼ Cup Ghee
● ½ Cup Powdered Sugar
● 1 tsp Hemp Hearts
● ½ tsp Cardamom Powder
● 1 tsp Hemp Powder
● 10 Almonds for Garnishing
Method
● Dry roast the besan on medium flame for about 10-15mins, keep stirring. Its raw taste should not be there.
● Add ghee and mix well.
● Cook the besan till fat separates for about 8-10 minutes and turn off the flame.
● Add sugar cardamom powder and hemp powder. Mix well so that there are no lumps.. Let the mixture cool completely. Once the mixture is cool, add hemp hearts.
● Grease your hands with ghee and start forming laddoos. Make smooth and round laddoos. Decorate with Almonds.
● Serve or store in an airtight container.
Hemp-infused Nankhatai
● 1 ¼ cup all-purpose flour (175 grams)
● 2 tablespoons fine rava (semolina) 25 grams
● 1 tablespoon Hemp Flour
● ½ cup powdered sugar (80 grams)
● ½ cup ghee (115 grams)
● ¼ teaspoon salt
● ½ teaspoon cardamom powder
● 2 teaspoons slivered pistachios or nuts of your choice
● 1 tablespoon Hemp Hearts
Process:
● In a bowl, sieve maida (all-purpose flour). Keep it aside.
● In a bowl whisk ghee and sugar with a spoon or whisk until creamy, light, and pale.
● Add all-purpose flour, Hemp flour, Sooji, salt, and cardamom powder into the ghee-sugar mixture.
● Combine everything using a spatula, then use your hands to bring the dough together. Do not knead the dough.
● If the dough looks dry, add a teaspoon of ghee and gently work the dough until it comes together.
● Rest the dough covered in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
● Mixing ghee and flour for nankhatai dough
● Pinch a lime-sized portion of the dough. Roll it between your palms to form a smooth round shape. Flatten them slightly.
● Place it on the baking tray lined with parchment paper.
● Repeat with the rest of the cookie dough.
● Place them 1 inch apart since they will expand on baking.
● Using a knife, make a criss-cross pattern in the middle. You can also make a little indentation in the center instead of a criss-cross pattern.
● Refrigerate again for another 15 minutes.
● Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
● Bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 16 minutes. It might take a little less or more time for you. Keep an eye out after 13 minutes.
● Sprinkle some slivered pistachios and rose petals and Hemp Hearts
Note: The cookies will be soft in the middle but will firm upon cooling.
Double Chocolate Chip Hemp Heart Cookies
● 1/2 cup liquid coconut oil
● 1/4 cup almond, soy or rice milk
● 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
● 1 cup coconut or brown sugar
● 1 cup Hemp Seeds, divided
● 1 cup chocolate chips (semi sweet or vegan)
● 2 cups gluten free OR all purpose flour
● 1 teaspoon baking soda
● 1 teaspoon baking powder
● 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Process:
● Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
● Place coconut oil, almond milk, vanilla, coconut sugar, 3/4 cup Hemp Seeds and 1/2 cup chocolate chips in a blender and puree for 30 seconds or until small pieces remain, but mixture is creamy.
● In a separate large bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
● Add the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture and stir until ingredients are totally combined. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips and Hemp Seeds.
● Using a small ice cream scoop or 2 tablespoon measure, place cookies on a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet. Use the heel of your hand to gently press cookies down and form into circles.
● Bake cookies for 11 minutes for softer cookies and 13-14 minutes for crisper cookies.
With these amazing dishes, your Diwali party will definitely be everyone’s favourite of the year. Eat and feed your guest these deliciously healthy hemp desserts and make this festive season more special.