DATES & FIGS ROLL
Now that the hustle bustle of Diwali has calmed down a bit I can take time to write a bit about the activities and all the goodies I prepared over the festive period. In Charleston celebrating Diwali is nothing like the celebrations in India or Tanzania. Here we make a seriously conscious effort to get together and celebrate. In Tanzania, we used to just be carried away with the celebrations as our neighbour and friend would be also rushing around trying to get gifts and sweetmeats in preparations for the arrival of visitors. Here, our neighbours homes are not lit up with Diyas nor are their front porches adorned with colourful Rangolis. Our neighbours probably don’t even realise it is Diwali whereas if we were in Tanzania, they would be joining us, probably making equally yummy food to present us with in exchange for the traditional Diawli Thali (platter) that we would bring round to their place.
Here in Charleston at our home, we try and still carry on with some of the traditions. Our home is lit up with diya’s, front porch adorned with the Rangolis that I or my brother Krishna would have made. In the Jikoni, I would be busy preparing the traditional mung lapsi for Dhan Terash and making mithai to take to the temple and send to family and friends. Then there is the traditional Diwali dinner at the Vithlani’s and this year the menu was ratehr extensive what with garma garam samosa, dhokla, dal rice, chana shak, tindora shak, potato shak, two different types of Ladu, salads, pickles, popadoms and of course Paan.
Every year, I look to make some new mithai, something that is quick and easy to make given that I only have a couple of hours after I come home from our store.
This year for the Ankot Puja, I made this sweet using dried figs and dates. Very easy to make and I am truly pleased to say everyone liked these. I have shared with you the recipe and I hope you will give it a shot 🙂 The stuffing is surprisingly tropical and reminds me of Dar-es-Salaam.
—
Minelle Hemraj
15 pieces dates
12 pieces figs ( soft)
1 tea spoon ghee
Crush dates and figs together make smooth paste and soute in a tea spoon of ghee.,till it becomes nice and smooth. Let it cool little take small amount in your palm make small disk add the filling and make small ball or any shape you desired.Garnish with your choice of decoration.
bind the above ingredients with milk.Keep on the side
STUFFING:
5 table spoon coconut grated
3 table spoon icing sugar
3 table spoon butter ( room temperature)
3 table spoon mix nuts small chunks
Mix all above ingredients .
Take little date mix in your palm make a small disk add the stuffing mixture and roll in a small ball.
jikoni 