AJL magazine - Asian Jewish Life

Lo Mein to Laksaby Yardena Ben-IsraelCorn flour halwa is actuallythe easier version of themore traditional and popular`Chikha cha Halwa’, which ismade from wheat but involves a moredifficult and time consuming process.I learned these recipes from from myhusband’s Aunt Rosy. Rosy Aunty iswell known throughout the communityfor her excellent traditional cooking andalways makes fabulous cakes for everyoccasion. For parties, she comes up withwonderful snacks and dishes, mostly herown invention; how all the family waitsfor her to bring her latest surprise dish.In the Bene Israel community, halwais a signature dish and a specialty forRosh Hashanah, but it is also preparedduring many special occasions likemarriages, mehndi ceremonies whichtake place a day before weddings, britmilahs, bar mitzvahs, anniversariesand house warming ceremonies. I havemany wonderful memories of eatinghalwa or helping to prepare it for suchspecial occasions.During Rosh Hashanah halwa isdistributed among relatives and friendsand even my non-Jewish friends wait formy chocolate halwa as it has become mysignature dish thanks to Aunty Rosy.Coconut halwa is another Bene Israelspecialty. Many Bene Israel dishes(sweets, main dishes, deserts) containcoconut as the main ingredient sincecoconut is found in abundance in KonkanCoast. Today it is still an importantpart of many Bene Israel’s traditionalcelebrations wherever we travel.Corn flourCoconut Halwa• Corn flour – 250g• Sugar – 350g• Coconut milk – 2 liters• Pistachios & almonds – 1 tbspeach• Edible color – pink or orange(3 to 4 drops)• Cardamom powder – Half tsp• Nutmeg – ¼ tsp• Salt – ¼ tspSieve the corn flour and then mixwith coconut milk. Add sugar,coloring and salt. Mix well. Cookover stove, stirring continuouslyto prevent sticking for 45minutes. To test, spread a littleon a plate. Halwa should comeout clean and not stick to thefingers. Add cardamom & nutmegpowder & pour mixture into flattins. Sprinkle chopped dry fruitson top & cut into desired shapewhen cooled.Corn flour CoconutChocolate Halwa• Corn flour – 250g• Sugar – 400g• Coconut milk – 2 liters• Cocoa powder – 4 tbsp• Almonds & pistachios –1 tbsp each• Salt – ¼ tspFollow above directionssubstituting cocoa power forthe cardamom powder.ASIAN JEWISH LIFE ISSUE 1127