In India there is a important festival going on right now called Diwali. It is the most important festival for Hindus(religion). In this festival people start making preparations one month before Diwali, new clothes are purchased, house cleaned and decorated with lights, flowers etc. People call and invite their nearest and dearest ones. On the day of Diwali new clothes are worn by old and young people, during night fireworks and crackers are let off and the bright flames of the firework present an exquisite sight in the dark night. So on this day my family stay together and cook two dishes idada and aloo paratha.

Idada  
1. Soak rice and urad dal(available in grocery stores) for 4 hours. Soak and grind to a               smooth paste and ferment further for 4-5 hours.
2. Add salt, cooking soda, ginger, and cooked green peas, mix well, boil water in cooker,           and grease a thick deep plate with a smattering of oil. Pour 2-3 ladles to the flat plate and     place the plate in cooker.
3. Steam for 8-10 mins till a tooth pick comes clean.
4. Cool and cut into desired shapes.
5. For tempering: splutter mustard and cumin seeds in oil and pour on the warm pieces of         Idada. Top with freshly ground black pepper powder and cumin powder. 
6. Serve as it is.

It should look like this before cutting in shapes.

Methi Thepla is a gujarati flatbread made from fenugreek leaves, whole wheat flour. and some spices. This healthy snack can be eaten anytime of the day. To prepare Methi Thepla mix 1½ cup of  whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon red chili powder, 1½ teaspoon coriander powder, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, and salt in a bowl. Add 2 small, chopped green chilies, 1 teaspoon ginger paste, methi leaves and oil. Mix well to get a crumbling looking mixture. Knead to a semi soft dough leave it to rest for 15 min. Knead again and divide into 12 equal balls. Roll the theplas with little dry flour to 6 in. diameter rounds. Cook theplas on hot tawa till bubbles appear on top. Flip and smear oil on it. Flip again and press the thepla lightly with a spatula, keep flipping and pressing 2-3 times till it is cooked well on both sides. Serve with yogurt.