Nobanno (Rice based Festive Dessert - Bong style)

 

          Nobanno Utsav or the Harvest Festival is a time to rejoice in West Bengal. Nobanno in Bengali literally translates to new rice. This traditional rice based dessert is prepared during late autumn and is especially very popular in rural Bengal. 

          The recipe calls for soaked rice that is ground along with fresh coconut and a small piece of ginger. It is then mixed with some milk / water and date palm jaggery syrup to make a batter of poring consistency. However, it can be substituted with sugar, plain jaggery syrup or date syrup to taste. Alternatively, rice flour can be used instead of soaked rice. Garnish with raisins, dates, dry fruits & orange segments and enjoy this simple regional delicacy. At times, it is also served with puffed rice.

• 1/2 cup rice, soaked overnight
• 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
• 1/2" ginger
• milk / water as required
• sugar to taste / jaggery syrup / date syrup
• raisins, dates, dry fruits & orange segments to garnish

          Blend the soaked rice along with fresh coconut, ginger and any sweetener with required quantity of milk into a smooth paste. 

          Transfer to a mixing bowl and adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed. It should not be too thick or too runny. 

          Garnish with dates, raisins, orange and dry fruits and enjoy a bowlful of this sheer joy. 

Oats & Date Balls

             Oats & Date Balls are very easy to make. They are healthy energy balls with the goodness of oats, dates and some fresh grated coconut. I also added some chopped pistachios, but you may add any other nuts if you like. It can be enjoyed as a quick breakfast on the go. It is also a perfect snack for weight watchers and ideal for youngsters.

        

                It is completely sugar free as it has only the natural sweetness of the dates. It can be made much in advance and stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days. So check out a quick step by step pictorial recipe to prepare it.

• 1 cup oats
• 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
• 2 tbsp. chopped pistachios
• pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup date puree or as required

          Dry roast the oats and set aside to cool. Then grind into a powder form. 

          In a bowl, first mix together all the ingredients (except date puree). Then add the puree, little at a time and knead into a dough. 

          Cover and keep aside for 15 minutes. Divide into equal portions and shape them into balls. 

          Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator and enjoy as a snack or for a quick breakfast on the go.

                                 First mix all the ingredients (except date puree).

                                 Then add puree, a little at a time & knead into a dough. 

                                  Cover & keep aside for 15 minutes.

                                  Divide into equal portions & shape them into balls. 

                 Store in air-tight container & enjoy as a snack or a quick breakfast on the go. 

Semolina Coconut Halwa

          Semolina Halwa in general is a very common and an all time favourite dessert prepared during auspicious occasions and ceremonies. It is very easy and simple to make. I just gave a twist from my side by adding equal quantity of fresh grated coconut to enhance the flavour. It can be relished as it is, as an after meal dessert or as a side dish with poori / paratha.  

• 1/2 cup semolina
• 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
• 1 tbsp. ghee
• 3-4 tbsp. sugar or to taste
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 cup milk
• 1 & 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup chopped dry fruits (walnuts, raisins, cashews, cranberries, apricots, dates, etc.)
• 1 tbsp. tutti frutti (opt)

          Heat ghee in a pan / kadai. Add the semolina and coconut. Stir fry for a while or till you get a nice aroma coming through. Add rest of the ingredients and mix well.

          Simmer on a low flame till it turns thick. Switch off the flame. Garnish with the tutti frutti and serve in individual bowls in room temperature or slightly chilled.