Tikhat Shankarpali (Diwali Menu)

Diwali the annual festival of lights. Diwali to me means beautiful memories of the festival's preparation.

We had three ladies in the house my Aaji, Aai and Mavashi. Aai and Mavashi were working ladies but they would put in their best efforts to give a personal touch to the Diwali Magic. The "Faral" or the sweets would be distributed to friends and relatives.They were all homemade. The ladies would work late into the night after job or wake up at dawn to cook before leaving for work. A variety of sweets and savories were made in large quantities. My Mavashi would do beautiful Rangolis in the courtyard before the house. 

Today I try to keep that tradition but being a senior citizen my daughters are reluctant to let me do "Faral" at home when "Faral" options are available in the market.

I will make a few items at home may be three but they will be our old recipes come to me from my Aaji and Aai .

Today I made this Tikhat Shankarpali as my husband and I eat less sugar and would not be able to enjoy the sweet variety.

Tikhat Shankarpali

 Ingredients : 

• 400 gms. maida
• 1 tbsp kalonji
• 1 tbsp ajwain
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp pure ghee that is ice cold
• Salt to taste
• Oil to deep fry

Method :

• Take a big thal and put the maida with salt, kalonji, ajwain, black pepper coarsley ground and the ghee .
• Rub the maida with your fingers till a rava like consistency is formed. 
• I used the food processor as my fingers don"t have that strength.
• Now add water to make a stiff dough.
• Keep aside for 30 mins.
• Roll into thin chappatis and cut into diamond shapes.
• Deep fry in hot oil on medium heat.
• Store when cool in airtight containers.

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