Raksha Bandhan is a joyous occasion that brings families together to celebrate the special bond between brothers and sisters. As part of the festivities, delicious food plays an essential role. Here are a few traditional and delectable Rakhi recipes that you can prepare to make the celebration even more memorable:
Kesar Peda Recipe
Kesar Peda is a popular and delicious sweet that is often prepared during Raksha Bandhan. With its rich flavor and saffron-infused aroma, it is a treat that is loved by all. Here’s a simple recipe to make Kesar Peda :
Ingredients:
1 cup condensed milk
1 cup milk powder
1/4 teaspoon saffron strands
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
Slivered almonds and pistachios for garnishing
Instructions:
In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Set it aside to let the saffron infuse its color and flavor.
Heat a non-stick or a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add ghee and let it melt.
Pour the condensed milk into the pan and stir it continuously to prevent sticking or burning. Cook it for few minutes until it starts to thicken.
Add the milk powder to the pan and mix well. Stir constantly to avoid lumps and ensure it combines smoothly.
Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. This process may take around 10-15 minutes.
Add the saffron-infused milk and cardamom powder to the mixture. Mix well to distribute the flavors evenly.
Continue to cook the mixture for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens further and reaches a dough-like consistency.
Remove the pan from the heat and let the mixture cool for a few minutes until it is warm enough to handle.
Grease your hands with a little ghee and take small portions of the mixture to shape them into round pedas. Flatten them slightly and press a slivered almond or pistachio on top for garnishing.
Repeat the process with the remaining mixture to make more pedas.
Let the Kesar Pedas cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, they are ready to be served.
Enjoy the homemade Kesar Pedas as a delightful sweet treat during Raksha Bandhan. You can also pack them in decorative boxes or gift them to your loved ones as a token of love and celebration.
Coconut Barfi Recipe
Coconut Barfi is a mouthwatering sweet that is perfect for celebrating Raksha Bandhan. Its rich coconut flavor and sweet, fudgy texture make it an irresistible treat. Here’s a simple recipe to prepare Coconut Barfi at home:
Ingredients:
2 cups grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
1 cup condensed milk
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
Slivered almonds or pistachios for garnishing
Instructions:
Heat a non-stick or a heavy-bottomed pan on medium heat. Add some ghee and let it melt.
Add grated coconut to the pan and sauté it for a few minutes until it turns slightly golden and releases a pleasant aroma.
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the condensed milk and milk. Stir well to combine.
Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring continuously, until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan. This process may take around 10-15 minutes.
Add the cardamom powder to the mixture and mix well to enhance the flavor.
Continue to cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens further and forms a cohesive mass. It should be thick enough to hold its shape .
Grease a square or rectangular tray with ghee. Transfer the cooked coconut mixture to the tray and spread it evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
Garnish the top with slivered almonds or pistachios, gently pressing them into the mixture.
Allow the Coconut Barfi to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, refrigerate it for a couple of hours to set.
Once set, remove the Coconut Barfi from the tray and cut it into desired shapes, such as squares or diamonds.
Serve the delicious Coconut Barfi as a delightful sweet during Raksha Bandhan or pack it in decorative boxes to share with your loved ones.
Enjoy the homemade Coconut Barfi and celebrate the joyous occasion of Raksha Bandhan with this delectable treat. The sweet and nutty flavors are sure to delight everyone and add a special touch to your festivities.
Besan Ladoo Recipe
Besan Ladoo is a popular and traditional sweet that is commonly prepared during Raksha Bandhan. These aromatic and melt-in-your-mouth ladoos are made from roasted gram flour (besan), ghee, sugar, and flavored with cardamom. Here’s a simple recipe to make Besan Ladoos at home:
Ingredients:
2 cups besan (gram flour)
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
2 tablespoons chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) for garnishing
Instructions:
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan on low heat. Add the besan and dry roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns aromatic and golden brown in color. Be careful not to burn it.
Remove the roasted besan from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
In a separate pan, heat the ghee on low heat until it melts.
Add the melted ghee to the roasted besan and mix well to combine. Ensure that the besan is well-coated with ghee.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder. Steer and mix thoroughly all the ingredients.
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round ladoos by rolling them between your palms. If the mixture feels dry, you can add a little more melted ghee to bind it together.
Garnish each ladoo with chopped nuts, gently pressing them onto the surface.
Let the Besan Ladoos cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, they will firm up and hold their shape.
Once cooled and set, store the Ladoos in an airtight container.