5 Unique Recipes Using Dry Fruits for Your Diwali Feast

Diwali, the festival of lights, brings joy, festivities, and, most importantly, delicious food. As you prepare for this vibrant celebration, why not incorporate the natural goodness of dry fruits into your Diwali feast? Known for their rich flavours and health benefits, dry fruits can transform traditional recipes into delectable treats that everyone will enjoy. Here are five unique recipes that feature the best dry fruits and nuts to add a healthy and flavorful twist to your celebrations.

• Dry Fruit Barfi (Fudge)

Kick off your Diwali celebrations with dry fruit barfi, a classic Indian sweet made that's even more delightful with the addition of premium-quality dry fruits. This recipe combines dates' sweetness with the nuts' crunch, making it a perfect treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dates (pitted and chopped)
• 1/2 cup figs
• 1/2 cup chopped mixed best dry fruits and nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, and pistachios)
• Two tablespoons of desiccated coconut
• Two tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• A pinch of cardamom powder

Instructions:

• Heat the ghee in a pan and sauté the dates and figs until soft.
• Add the chopped organic dry fruits and coconut and mix well. Cook for 5-7 minutes.
• Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Shape it into a flat square on a greased tray and let it set.
• Once firm, cut the mixture into small squares to serve. For a festive touch, garnish with a sprinkling of cardamom powder.

• Dry Fruit Pulao

Add a savoury twist to your Diwali menu with dry fruit pulao, a flavorful, aromatic, and nutrient-rich rice dish. Including the best-quality dry fruits makes it an exquisite addition to the feast.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice (washed and soaked)
• 1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (almonds, cashews, and raisins)
• Two tablespoons ghee
• One onion, thinly sliced
• One bay leaf
• 2-3 cloves
• One cinnamon stick
• 2 cups water
• Salt to taste
• A few saffron strands soaked in warm milk 

Instructions

• Heat the ghee in a pan, and fry the dry fruits until golden. Set aside.
• Add the bay leaf, cloves, and cinnamon in the same pan, followed by the sliced onions. Cook until the onions are caramelized.
• Add the soaked rice and stir for a minute before adding water and salt.
• Once the water starts boiling, cover and cook on low heat until the rice is done.
• Mix in the fried dry fruits and saffron milk just before serving for a luxurious finish.

• Dry Fruit Modak

Modak is a popular Diwali sweet, and when made with organic dry fruits, it becomes a healthier treat. This recipe incorporates a variety of dry fruits and nuts, making it both tasty and nutritious

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped mixed premium quality dry fruits (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, and dates)
• 1/2 cup grated coconut
• 1/2 cup jaggery
• One tablespoon ghee
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• Modak moulds for shaping

Instructions:

• Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the grated coconut and jaggery until the jaggery melts.
• Incorporate the chopped dry fruits along with the cardamom powder
• When the mixture thickens, let it cool slightly off the heat.
• Grease the modak moulds and fill them with the mixture, pressing it firmly to shape. Unmold carefully and enjoy!

Dry Fruit Shahi Tukda

Shahi Tukda, a royal Indian dessert, is upgraded with the best dry fruits. This dish is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your Diwali feast.

Ingredients:

• Four slices of bread (cut into triangles)
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios)
• Two tablespoons ghee
• A pinch of saffron
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions:

• Fry the bread slices in ghee until they become golden and crispy, then set them aside.
• In the same pan, heat the milk, adding sugar, saffron, and cardamom powder. Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Soak the fried bread in the milk mixture and top with the chopped dry fruits.
• Serve warm, allowing the flavours to blend and enhance each other.

• Dry Fruit and Nut Chutney

For a unique savoury dish, try a dry fruit and nut chutney. This recipe combines various organic dry fruits to create a delicious accompaniment for snacks or main courses.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mixed dry fruits (raisins, dates, and apricots)
• 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds and cashews)
• 2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• 1 tablespoon jaggery
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon oil
• Salt to taste
• Red chilli powder to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pan, and add the cumin seeds until they crackle.
2. Add the chopped dry fruits, tamarind pulp, jaggery, salt, and red chilli powder. Cook until the mixture thickens.
3. Blend the mixture to a smooth paste, then add chopped nuts for texture.
4. This chutney can be served with samosas, parathas, or as a dip for other festive snacks.

Why Choose Dry Fruits for Diwali?

Dry fruits symbolize prosperity and health, making them perfect for Diwali celebrations. Whether you use them in sweets or savoury dishes, the best dry fruits and nuts add an unmatched richness. Opting for premium-quality dry fruits ensures you enjoy the maximum flavour and nutritional benefits. Moreover, organic dry fruits offer a purer, chemical-free option that enhances your festive dishes' taste and health benefits.

Conclusion

This Diwali, make your celebrations special by including these five unique recipes using the best dry fruits. Whether it's the traditional sweetness of modak or the savoury delight of dry fruit pulao, these dishes promise to add a touch of elegance and health to your festive menu. Embrace the natural goodness of dry fruits and let your Diwali feast shine with taste and nutrition!