Tips To Celebrate A Gluten-Free Diwali (P.S – Recipes Included)

I know it feels like an impossible task when you have a food allergy to celebrate any festival. Honestly, it isn’t easy and requires you to train your mind. The first step is to deal with the fact that you have the power to handle this situation and not feel bad or sad. I have written a small list below to help you get started. I have also included some gluten-free diwali recipes so that you can enjoy the festive season and not think you’re missing out. 

Think of ways to create awareness of your allergy at a party. 

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Dry Fruits

All dry fruits are safe to consume. The ones that have some sort of flavour or coating added should be avoided unless it is just salt or honey. The reason to avoid them is that some might have flour coated on them.

Indian Sweets

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Almost all Indian Sweets are made with Khoya and should be “Gluten-Free”. The problem is they get adulterated with maida/ refined flour to make them bind together. The best is to stick to “ Kaju or Pista Burfi” as the chances of adulteration are minimal. It’s a great occasion to make rasgulla, besan burfi etc like our grandmothers use to make.

Rasgulla is my favourite and is so easy to make. If you want to give it a shot, I’ve posted the recipe below.

Rasgulla is a soft and spongy milk-based sweet soaked in sugar syrup. I made a gluten-free version with no flour. They are super soft and tasty, though a bit delicate without the gluten.

Ingredients:

• 1 litre Milk
• 3-4 Tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 Cup Sugar
• 3 Cups Water
• Rose Water
• Cardamom Powder: Grind your own cardamom and make a powder
• Kesar/Saffron Threads

Method:

• Make the chenna (paneer) out of milk:
• Boil milk and curdle it by adding lemon juice. Allow it to boil while you stir it.
• Place this in a muslin cloth and hang it knotting tightly till all the whey is removed.
• While it is still warm but can be touched put it in a flat dish and rub it and make it smooth, removing all the water.
• Make small balls out of this and place it on the side.
• Make a sugar syrup in a vessel that has a tight lid. The water is to sugar ratio should be 3:1.
• Don’t open it as the steam is important. It should be cooked to a syrupy consistency. Add rose water, saffron strands and cardamom powder.
• Quickly open the syrup lid and place all the rasgulla balls in it. Cook for 15 minutes and then turn off the gas. Keep the lid shut at all times.
• Allow it to cool for 2 hours only then place it in a dish and refrigerate it.

Namkeen:

This should be avoided as most namkeens are made with refined flour/maida. However, a lot of the diet versions don’t have refined flour in them. But please check if they have “Hing” or not then consume.  Hing is not gluten-free and should be avoided. Namkeens can be made at home but need practice.

Try this simple savoury gluten-free recipe out this Diwali

Seed Beet Crackers

Ingredients:

• 2 Medium Sized Beetroots (Roasted)
• 2-3 Small Onions
• 2-3 Garlic Pods
• Little Bit Of Lemon Juice
• ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese
• ½ Cup Sunflower Or Sesame Seeds
• 2 Tbsp Flax Meal ( Grind Fresh Flax Seeds)
• 2 Cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour
• 1 Tsp Salt
• Dried herbs like Oregano & Parsley 

Method:

• Preheat oven to 180° C
• Peel and chop the roasted beetroot and blend it with onions, garlic, and lemon juice.
• In a blender blend the sunflower seeds. Place all the dry ingredients together GF flour, flax meal, sunflower meal, salt and jeera.
• To the dry ingredients add the beetroot pureed mixture and form a dough. Break into 2 dough pieces.
• Allow this dough to rest for at least an hour.
• Roll the dough out between two cling sheets to about 2mm thickness and then sprinkle with some olive oil and seeds. Cut them into triangles and prick it with a fork.
• Bake for 15 mins. Move them around once and bake for 5-8 minutes more.
• Let them cool and enjoy them with your favourite dip.

Attending a Diwali Party

Alcohol: It’s best to stick to having Whiskey, Rum, and Vodka. The only thing to avoid is beer.

Food for Adults: Most of the Tandoori/Barbecue food without masala is safe. The only reason to avoid the masala is if you don’t know what kind of masala it is. Is it contaminated with refined flour or may have hing? If you are over 18 years old I would advise you to have it in small amounts. Just remember if you feel sick, please stop and drink loads of water.

Food for Kids:  If you are going to a Diwali party with your kids, then it’s best to walk up to the Tandoor and get grilled chicken or fish with lemon butter. Grilled Corn on the cob is my son’s favourite food so easy to get it done. Remember to tell the chef to sprinkle water on the grill before they start making your kids’ food. Don’t use marinated food items. 

Don’t let food be the centre of your life, nor is it a necessary part of the party. Enjoy the festival with family and friends and have fun.