As Diwali approaches, Vibha Ajwani is preparing a dish that connects her to her mother and grandmother.
“It is a beautiful way to honour your family traditions,” she said, “Every time I prepare it, I am taken back home.”
Kesar shrikhand is a saffron and cardamom-infused yogurt dessert that is prepared on special occasions.
“It is so creamy and rich,” she said, “Every bite has this delicate aroma of cardamon and the saffron gives such a subtle, beautiful colour.”
Diwali also known as The Festival of Lights, is one of the most important celebrations in Hindu culture and it starts on Nov. 8.
“Cooking is something that I’ve always been doing out of love.”
Ontario is home to more than 880,000 Hindu, Sikh and Jain residents which makes Diwali one of the province’s most widely celebrated cultural and religious festivals.
Ajwani was chosen as one of the featured home cooks in More Flavours of Home, a community cookbook series launched by Food Basics, a grocery store chain. This is the first edition of the cookbook and alongside submissions by home cooks, there are personal stories that inspired the dish.
She said Diwali marks new beginnings and every household has special recipes they prepare. Celebrants also observe traditions, buy new clothes, light up homes and decorate with flowers.
“Cooking is something that I’ve always been doing out of love.” Ajwani said, “I enjoy feeding people. To do this with a cookbook project feels incredible.”
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More Flavours of Diwali
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