Happy Diwali! Celebrating the Indian New Year With Delicious Recipes

For millions of Indians worldwide, the transition into the fall season brings the excitement of preparing for Diwali, the most significant holiday in Indian culture. 

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the Indian new year and falls in October or November, depending on the Hindu Lunar Calendar. It traditionally spans over five days, but many families will gather on the third day when the most significant festivities occur. 

In 2022, the primary date of celebrations is Monday, October 24.

Jump to recipes:

Dal Makhani | Gajar Halwa

The name Diwali originates from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, meaning row of lights. Those celebrating the holiday will light candles and clay lamps called diyas, placing them all around their homes and in the streets to light up the night. 

Lighting these candles and diyas is a way to honor new beginnings, light over darkness, and good over evil.

Every region in India has its own customs and traditions for observing Diwali, but some common practices include gathering with family and friends, sharing an abundance of food and sweets in an extravagant feast, lighting fireworks, and buying new clothes and gifts for loved ones. 

Serving others is also an essential part of the holiday, and families often make charitable contributions or help those in need. 

Homes are also cleaned and decorated with candles, diyas, and rangolis, beautiful designs made of colored rice and flowers on the floor.

Since sharing food is such an integral aspect of Diwali (and my favorite part of the holiday), here are two recipes for dishes I grew up eating that I'd like to share. 

The first dish is a classic black Dal Makhani that originates in Northern India. It is a rich flavorful curry made of black lentils and often found on menus at Indian restaurants worldwide. 

The second dish is one of my favorite desserts called Gajar Halwa. Gajar means carrots, and this dish is a sweet carrot pudding that reminds me of eating an Indian version of carrot cake. It is best served warm with some vanilla ice cream.

Enjoy!

Dal Makhani

Sarina Shah Grady

Black Dal Makhani originates in Northern India. It is a rich flavorful curry made of black lentils and found on menus at Indian restaurants worldwide. 

Black Dal Makhani ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ tsp garam masala
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 cup pureed tomatoes, fresh or from a can
• 1½ teaspoons salt (add more to taste, if desired)
• 1 cup dried black urad dal (can purchase at the Indian market)
• ¼ cup dried kidney beans
• 3 cups water
• cilantro
• 2 Tablespoons butter for the end

Directions:

1. Rinse black urad dal and kidney beans well, then soak them overnight or for 7-8 hours in water. Pressure cook in an instant pot or pressure cooker until dal and beans have softened, about 30 minutes. 
2. Drain excess water.
3. Heat the ghee over medium heat in a large saucepan. 
4. Once hot, add onion and cumin seeds and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is soft. 
5. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute, then add spices and pureed tomato and cook a few more minutes. 
6. Add water, salt, dal, and kidney beans. 
7. Bring to a simmer, reduce to low, cover, and cook for a couple of hours, stirring occasionally so it doesn't stick. 
8. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. You can add more water if it becomes too thick.
9. Once done cooking, stir in butter, garnish with cilantro, and serve with rice/naan.

Gajar Halwa

Sarina Shah Grady

Gajar means carrots, and this dish is a sweet carrot pudding that reminds me of eating an Indian version of carrot cake. It is best served warm with some vanilla ice cream.

Gajar Halwa Ingredients:

• 8 medium to large carrots (about 400 grams)
• 1 cup milk of choice
• ⅓ cup white sugar
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 Tablespoons ghee
• ¼ cup slivered almonds, roasted

Directions:

1. Wash and peel carrots. Grate them by hand for the best results. Add carrots to a heavy bottom pan such as a dutch oven, and dry roast on low heat until they change into a deep orange color, about 15 minutes.
2. Add milk and cook on medium heat, stirring often so the carrots don't stick to the bottom of the pan. Cook until milk evaporates. 
3. Add sugar and mix well. 
4. Keep cooking and continuously stirring until the mixture becomes thick and caramelizes. It should take about 10-15 minutes. 
5. Add cardamom, ghee, and about ¾ of the roasted slivered almonds. Stir well. 
6. Serve warm or chilled with vanilla ice cream. Garnish with the remaining slivered almonds.

Happy Diwali from my family!