In India GANESH CHATURTHI heralds the commencement of a series of festivals which continue till the calendar changes the numbers on the year. With the hues in the weather changing to cooler mornings and days, the air is perfumed with the joy and happiness that these festivals bring with them. From nature to people and everyone around the whole environment is painted with the bright and happy colours of the festivities. From decorating the home and hearth with flowers, rangoli, to shopping for new clothes, to loads of sweets and delicious fares engulfing the kitchen with its delicious aroma, the jubilation is quite palpable in all INDIAN homes, who celebrate these rituals.
GANESH CHATURTHI marks the worship of LORD GANESHA, whom Hindus revere as VIGNAHARTAA or the remover of all obstacles. LORD GANESHA is also considered the God of All Beginnings by the Hindus and therefore not only does GANESH CHATURTHI where prayers and oblations are offered to Lord Ganesha is the first of a series of festivals where deities are worshipped by the Hindus, in the calendar, but also for all new beginnings be it for home or business Lord Ganesha is worshipped first. Although GANESH CHATURTHI is celebrated in all states of India the festive fervour is stupendous in the state of Maharashtra. The magnitude of the celebrations which I have seen in Mumbai is unparalleled. Multitudes of homes in Mumbai seem to swirl in the rituals, worship and preparing of special dishes during this 10 day long festival.
When I was a kid my mother used to tell me this very fascinating story about Lord Ganesha. It's a very popular mythological story which many INDIAN kids like me are familiar with. Although there are many different versions of this story, this is what my Ma told me. Lord Ganesha had a younger brother, Lord Kartikeya. Although the two brothers were very fond of each other, like most kids, they too fought lovingly with each other. While Lord Ganesha loved to read books and scriptures, his younger brother Lord Kartikey was a valiant warrior. One day when there was an argument between the two brothers that who amongst them were more agile and fitter, it was decided that there should be a competition between the two brothers and the result of the completion would decide who was more vigorous than the other. The competition was that they had to encircle the entire world three times and them come and take the blessings of their parents, Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Who finished this first would be declared the winner.
Both the children then bowed in front of their parents and mounted on their Vahana or carriers. Lord Kartikey's Vahana was the peacock and he sped off on it to finish his task. Lord Ganesha too sat on his Vahana , the mouse, thought for a moment and got down from it. Now Lord Ganesha was known for his wit and intelligence. As the onlookers looked on in amazement, Lord Ganesha encircled his parents three times and took their blessings. He then declared that he had completed going round the globe three times. When the surprised gathering asked him how that was possible as He had not even left the place, Lord Ganesha replied with a smile, that his parents encompassed the whole world in them. So going around them meant going around the whole world for him. Everyone there were awestruck on hearing this and agreed that His witty yet heart rendering words had indeed made him the winner of the competition.
Lord Ganesha loves two sweets MODAK and LADDOO. Traditionally motichoor laddoo is offered as oblations to the Lord, but I decided to go with a Vegan, Dairy free, gluten free Laddoo and made a PINEAPPLE LADDOO. This laddo is easy to make, very inviting visually and delicious with every bite. Your little ones will love these little balls of fruity flavour. The star ingredient of the laddoo, Pineapple has loads of nutritive benefits. Pineapple, according to food historians have been used for centuries to treat indigestion and inflammation. Pineapple contains an enzyme called Bromelain which helps in the healing of inflammation. Being a rich source of dietary fiber, potassium and antioxidants like vitamin C and beta carotene the health advantages of pineapple intake is immense.
So dear readers I wish each and everyone of you celebrating the festival A VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED GANESH CHATURTHI. Friends enjoy making this guilt free laddoo in your kitchen and enjoy every celebration or simply every day wholeHEARTedly.
Reference :
RECIPE SOURCE :
PINEAPPLE LADDOO RECIPE :
YIELDS : 15 MEDIUM SIZED LADDOOS
CUISINE : INDIAN
TYPE : DESSERT/SWEETS
TIME : 10 MINUTES PREPARATION + 20 MINUTES COOKING + 10 MINUTES COOLING TIME + 5 MINUTES SHAPING THE LADDOOS
INGREDIENTS :
1) 1 whole Pineapple
2) 4 Tbsp Sugar or Sugar Free ( Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your pineapple)
3) 2 Tbsp finely grated fresh or frozen coconut
4) 1/2 Cup (125 grams approximately ) Poha/Beaten Rice ( You may increase the quantity of the rice to firm up the consistency of the final mixture)
5) 1 Tsp Freshly ground cardamom powder
Nuts, raisins, dry fruits of your choice for garnishing
THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE PINEAPPLE LADDOO :
1) Skin and chop the pineapple roughly. Blend the pineapple pieces into a purée in a food processor. Grate the coconut or use frozen grated coconut. Ground green cardamom. Wash the beaten rice/poha in a colander under running water two to three times. Transfer it into a strainer so that all the water is drained off.
2) In a non-stick wok/kadai/pan pour the pineapple purée. Slowly stir it on medium to high heat till all the liquid from the purée evaporates.
TIP : Keep a tab on the flame and do not burn the purée.
3) Next add the sugar or sugar free and stir for a couple of minutes. Add the grated coconut and mix well.
4) Now reduce the heat to the lowest possible and add the beaten rice followed by the cardamom powder. Keep stirring till the mixture thickens and becomes almost like a very soft dough.
TIP : When the mixture does not stick to the wok you know it's ready.
5) Remove from the heat and cool for 10 minutes. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms in the shape of a laddoo.
TIP : If the mixture sticks on your palms, apply a few drops of oil on your palms.
Garnish with dry fruits, nuts, raisins of your choice and serve. The laddoo can be kept upto a week if refrigerated.
********************************************************************************************************************************************
PINEAPPLE LADDOO RECIPE :
YIELDS : 15 MEDIUM SIZED LADDOOS
CUISINE : INDIAN
TYPE : DESSERT/SWEETS
TIME : 10 MINUTES PREPARATION + 20 MINUTES COOKING + 10 MINUTES COOLING TIME + 5 MINUTES SHAPING THE LADDOOS
INGREDIENTS :
1) 1 whole Pineapple
2) 4 Tbsp Sugar or Sugar Free ( Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your pineapple)
3) 2 Tbsp finely grated fresh or frozen coconut
4) 1/2 Cup (125 grams approximately ) Poha/Beaten Rice ( You may increase the quantity of the rice to firm up the consistency of the final mixture)
5) 1 Tsp Freshly ground cardamom powder
Nuts, raisins, dry fruits of your choice for garnishing
THIS IS HOW YOU MAKE PINEAPPLE LADDOO :
1) Skin and chop the pineapple roughly. Blend the pineapple pieces into a purée in a food processor. Grate the coconut or use frozen grated coconut. Ground green cardamom. Wash the beaten rice/poha in a colander under running water two to three times. Transfer it into a strainer so that all the water is drained off.
2) In a non-stick wok/kadai/pan pour the pineapple purée. Slowly stir it on medium to high heat till all the liquid from the purée evaporates.
TIP : Keep a tab on the flame and do not burn the purée.
3) Next add the sugar or sugar free and stir for a couple of minutes. Add the grated coconut and mix well.
4) Now reduce the heat to the lowest possible and add the beaten rice followed by the cardamom powder. Keep stirring till the mixture thickens and becomes almost like a very soft dough.
TIP : When the mixture does not stick to the wok you know it's ready.
5) Remove from the heat and cool for 10 minutes. Take a small portion of the mixture and roll it between your palms in the shape of a laddoo.
TIP : If the mixture sticks on your palms, apply a few drops of oil on your palms.
Garnish with dry fruits, nuts, raisins of your choice and serve. The laddoo can be kept upto a week if refrigerated.
*********************************************************************************************************************************
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE :
No comments:
Post a Comment