The Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Network received two stories on celebrating Diwali. Please join us in learning more about Hindus’ biggest festival and what it means to our associates who celebrate it.
TouchPoint
I was born and raised in India. I decided to pursue a career in the field of dietetics as I saw people suffering from chronic health conditions. I strongly believe that food has the power to make a profound difference in promoting health and quality of life. Throughout my life, I have seen and experienced the role that a wide variety of herbs, spices, and plants play in the prevention and curing of illnesses. I believe in combining culinary and medical science and using food as a therapeutic medicine. Compass/Touchpoint has given me opportunities, and a work environment, to practice this belief by collaborating with culinary teams to put the theory of wholesome eating habits to making nutritive food delectable.
We observe and celebrate Indian holidays, like Diwali. Where people get together, have parties, exchange gifts, and pray for a prosperous future. We continue to follow Diwali, and other holidays and traditions in the US as well thereby staying in touch with our roots and having our daughter build similar experiences. – Sweta Sheth, RD LDN
This year, on Monday, Oct. 24th, we celebrated Diwali, Hindus’ biggest festival. I often let everyone know that I am very fortunate to celebrate Diwali (Hindu’s Christmas) and actual Christmas in the USA. There are quite a few recipes that are famous and my favorite recipe during Diwali is my two most plant-based favorite recipes; Sweet Indian Empanadas and Spicy Empanadas. Below are the recipes. – Sheetal Parikh, MS, RDN, LDN
Morrison Healthcare
Sweet Indian Empanadas
Ingredients:
- 1 cup – Semolina
- 1 cup – ground nuts (almond, walnut, pistachios, cashews)
- 1 cup – brown sugar
- 1 tsp – vanilla extract
- 2 tsp – ground cardamom
- 1/2 tsp – saffron (optional)
- 1 package – small soft corn tortillas
- 5 Tbsp – Ghee (or canola oil)
Method:
- In a pan over medium heat, add 2 tsp of ghee and the semolina. Cook for 5 minutes. Then remove from heat and let cool.
- Add ground nuts, brown sugar, vanilla extract, ground cardamon, and saffron to make the filling.
- Cut tortillas in half.
- Fill each tortilla half with 2 Tbsp of the filling mixture and seal from one end with water pressing the edge of the tortillas. Repeat this process until you are out of all the filling.
- Rub with remaining ghee.
- Put them into an air-fryer for 7 minutes. Roll over to let cook for another 7 minutes, or until reddish brown in color.
- Let them cool and enjoy them!
Spicy Indian Empanadas
Ingredients:
- 2 each – Potatoes (boiled and mashed)
- 1/2 cup – Peas (boiled)
- 1 bunch – cilantro (chopped)
- 2 each – Green Chilis (thinly chopped)
- 1 tsp – Garam Masala
- 1 package – small soft corn tortillas
- 5 Tbsp – Ghee (or canola oil)
Method:
- Mix potatoes, peas, cilantro, green chilis, and garam masala together to make the filling. Taste, then season with salt to taste.
- Cut tortillas in half.
- Fill each tortilla half with 2 Tbsp of the filling mixture and seal from one end with water pressing the edge of the tortillas. Repeat this process until you are out of all the filling.
- Rub with ghee.
- Put them into an air-fryer for 7 minutes. Roll over to let cook for another 7 minutes, or until reddish brown in color.
- Let them cool and enjoy them with cilantro chutney or ketchup!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.