Celebrate Diwali with these fantastic recipes
Tuesday 28 October 2008
Today is set to be one of the biggest 'curry days' of the year, as millions of people celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights.
Traditionally it is a time for celebrating and feasting with friends and family, and a great opportunity to try out some new recipes.
With the help of Patak, the authentic Indian food experts, we have compiled a selection of totally delicious, healthy dishes that you can enjoy with your loved ones without having to worry about your waistline!
Steamed Salmon Parcels
Serves four people
These simple salmon parcels are served with a zingy lime dressing and a crunchy carrot salad.
Ingredients:
* 4 salmon steaks
* 2 tbsp Patak’s Tikka Masala Paste
* 2 tbsp low fat thick yoghurt
* 2 spring onions, sliced
* 1 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
* Juice of half a lime
* 2 tbsp Patak’s Raita
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 4 pieces of foil cut into squares (about 20cm x 20cm)
Instructions:
* In a bowl, mix together the Patak’s Tikka Masala Paste and yoghurt. Add the salmon fillets and coat well with the marinade. Lay some spring onions in the centre of a piece of foil and place each salmon fillet on top. Sprinkle with dill.
* Carefully wrap and seal the parcels before placing in a preheated oven (180∞C / 350∞F / gas 4) for 15 – 20 minutes.
* In a bowl stir together the Patak’s Raita and lime juice. Check the seasoning and add salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the steamed parcels from the oven. Serve with Crunchy Carrot Salad and Patak’s Raita.
Crunchy Carrot Salad
Serves two people
Ingredients:
* 175g (6oz) carrot, peeled and grated
* 75g (3oz) celeriac, grated
* 2 tsp Patak’s Korma Paste
* 2 tbsp crème fraîche
* 1 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
* 1 tsp mustard seeds
* 25g (1oz) spring onions, finely chopped
* Juice of half a lime
* Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
* In a pan add a tbsp of water, Patak’s Korma Paste and the mustard seeds. Heat for two minutes then allow to cool.
* Stir in the crème fraîche. In a bowl mix together the carrot, celeriac and spring onions. Stir in the spiced dressing and squeeze over the lime juice.
* Check the seasoning, add salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle over sesame seeds. Serve alongside the Steamed Salmon Parcels.
Ultimate Rogan Josh Lamb Burger (Heat Rating: Medium) 
Serves four people
A mouth-watering lamb burger, which is simply bursting with flavour.
Ingredients:
* 1-2 tbsp Patak’s Rogan Josh Paste
* 450g extra lean minced lamb steak
* 1 red onion, finely chopped
* 1 garlic clove, crushed
* 2 Patak's Plain Naans to serve
For the Chilli and Ginger Salsa
* 4 vine tomatoes, seeded and chopped
* 1 red onion, peeled and finely chopped
* 1 red pepper, halved, deseeded and chopped
* 2 red chillies, halved, deseeded and finely chopped
* 1 tbsp freshly chopped ginger
* 2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander
* 1 pomegranate, seeded
Instructions:
* Mix together the lamb, red onion, garlic and Patak’s Rogan Josh Paste. Shape into 4 burgers. Griddle the burgers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
* Mix together the salsa ingredients.
* Griddle the naan breads and cut in half. Serve.
Griddled Yellow Pepper, Courgette and Tandoori Paneer Salad 
Serves two people
Ingredients:
* 1 yellow pepper, cut into large slices
* 250g (9oz) courgettes, thickly sliced lengthways
* 8 spring onions, washed and cut in half, lengthways
* 125g (4oz) paneer, cut into large thin slices
* 8 – 10 cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
* 50g (2oz) mixed babyleaf salad, washed
* 2 tbsp Patak’s Tandoori Paste
* 1 tbsp vegetable oil
* 1 tsp cumin seeds, roasted and coarsely crushed
* 2 tbsp olive oil
* Juice of half a lime
* 1 tbsp black pepper
* Salt, to season
* 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
Instructions:
* Mix the Patak’s Tandoori Paste with the vegetable oil. Brush liberally onto the paneer, courgette, spring onions and yellow pepper. Cook on a griddle for a few minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
* In a bowl, mix the olive oil with the lime juice, basil, black pepper and roasted cumin seeds. Toss the yellow pepper, tomatoes, griddled courgette, paneer, spring onions, salad leaves and dressing together in a bowl, season and serve.
For more tasty yet healthy recipes and to get your own personalised meal plan, go to www.closerdiets.com