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Dhani khajur
Popped jowar and dates
ધાણી ખજૂર: crunchy popped jowar, roasted chana and soft dates, the simple mix eaten around the Holika fire on Holi night
On Holika Dahan night, Gujarati families circle the bonfire with coconut, water and a plate of dhani, dalia and khajur, toss a handful into the flames, and then share the rest. The popped jowar is light and crunchy, the roasted chana nutty and mealy, and the dates bring a chewy, caramel sweetness, so together they make a surprisingly satisfying snack. The idea passed down by elders is practical: as the season turns from winter to summer, dates give warmth and energy, and the dry grains settle the stomach. It is also the first thing handed to children when they come home with coloured faces the next morning. Buy fresh dhani in the weeks before Holi, when Gujarati grocers and street sellers have it by the sackful. Chef's tip: shake the dhani in a sieve before mixing; it loosens the papery husks and the hard unpopped kernels that can crack a tooth.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Difficulty
- easy
- Serves
- 4
Ingredients
- 3 ½ oz popped jowar (dhani)
- 3 ½ oz soft dates (khajur)pitted and torn
- 1 oz dry coconut (kopra) (optional)thinly sliced
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Method
0/5 doneStep 1: Tip 3 ½ oz popped jowar (dhani) into a large sieve and shake it over the sink to loosen the husks, then pick out any hard unpopped kernels.
Step 2: Warm the dhani in a dry kadhai over a low heat for 3–4 minutes, tossing, until crisp again. Common mistake: using it straight from an old bag; stale dhani is chewy and dull. Let it cool.
4 minStep 3: Toss 2 ⅝ oz roasted chana with skin (dalia) in the warm pan for 1 minute, then add it to the dhani.
1 minStep 4: Tear 3 ½ oz soft dates (khajur) into small pieces and mix them through with your fingers so the dates don't clump, then add 1 oz dry coconut (kopra) if using.
Step 5: Offer a handful at the Holika fire if you are celebrating, then serve the rest in bowls. It keeps for 3–4 days in an airtight tin.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 250 kcal
- Protein
- 9 g
- Carbs
- 47 g
- Fat
- 3 g
- Fibre
- 9 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does dhani khajur take?
- About 15 minutes in total: 10 minutes to prepare and 5 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 4 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- Is it vegan?
- Yes. It has no meat, fish, dairy or eggs.
- Is it gluten free?
- Yes, as written. Check the labels on stock, sauces and spice mixes, which sometimes contain gluten.
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