Day 6 -Rajgira Halwa or Amaranth Pudding for the ones who love you

Sashti is the sixth day of fasting according to the Hindu Calendar and is dedicated to the goddess who is the benefactor and protector of children .

I remember my nanny who would keeps fasts during this period and sashti was very special to her .

She was my protector and nurturer during my childhood and I dedicate this day and recipe to her .

Thank you , Bua, as we lovingly call her ..

This recipe is special because it is made with Amaranth , an ancient grain which has been cultivated since 8000 years. It's packed with nutrition and has amazing benefits .Amaranth or rajgira means “immortal” or “everlasting” in Greek because it contains more than three times the average amount of calcium and is also high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and it is the only grain which contains Vitamin C.

Rajgira or Amaranth Halwa

To prepare:

Take 1/2 cup of Amaranth flour . Keep aside .

Warm 11/4cup of milk and add 1/4 cup sugar in it. Keep it aside.

In a kadai , heat 4 tablespoons of ghee and add the Amaranth flour and stir very well . The flour will start to roast and get a nutty and toasty smell. This takes around 5 minutes.It will start to loosen up .

Add the milk and sugar and keep stirring very well for around 15 minutes . The Halwa will start to become thick and start leaving the sides of the kadai.

Add 1/4 tsp of cardamom powder and mix .

Add sauted raisins and cashews .

Serve hot and enjoy