Chandigarh, March 17: In this mundane life, which always seems to have a tinge of grey, festivals come as a breath of fresh air. As Indians, we end up celebrating one festival or another almost every single month. It is that perfect time of the year, to gorge on ones most favourite food . During festivals, one can be unabashedly themselves, not worry about their daily calorie count, and simply immerse themselves in the festive special food prepared.
Gudi Padwa celebrations are almost here and are literally knocking on our doors. It is a festival that celebrates fresh starts, prosperity, and the joy of sharing traditional food with loved ones. From sweet treats to festive snacks, the day is filled with comforting flavours that carry generations of culinary heritage. However, owing to everybody’s hectic schedules, it is not always easy to plan a special recipe list on short notice, but never mind, because we have got your back.
Check out our special Gudi Padwa recipe list –
Puran Poli Bites
This is a classic Maharastrian festive favourite reimagined into bite-sized delights. These soft, sweet dumplings capture the comforting flavours of traditional puran poli while being easier to prepare and serve.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup chana dal
- ¾ cup jaggery, grated
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tbsp ghee
- A pinch of turmeric
- Warm water for kneading
Method:
- Start cooking the chana dal until soft, then mash lightly and mix with grated jaggery. Cook the mixture on low heat until it thickens and forms a smooth filling. Add cardamom powder and allow it to cool.
- Prepare a soft dough using whole wheat flour, turmeric, ghee, and warm water. Roll small portions of dough, fill with the jaggery-dal mixture, and shape into small stuffed rounds.
- Place the bites on a microwave-safe tray and cook using the Voltas Beko Microwave Convection Mode, which helps achieve even heating and a lightly golden finish without lengthy stovetop cooking.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of melted ghee.
Chilled Shrikhand Mango Parfait
It is an absolutely refreshing dessert, layered with creamy shrikhand, mango puree, and crunchy nuts. This elegant parfait transforms a classic festive sweet into a modern celebratory treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups thick hung curd
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- ½ cup mango puree
- 2 tbsp chopped pistachios and almonds
- Saffron strands soaked in warm milk
Method:
·Start by whisking the hung curd, powdered sugar, saffron milk, and cardamom powder until smooth and creamy.
- Layer the shrikhand in serving glasses with mango puree and chopped nuts, creating alternating layers for a visually appealing dessert.
- Refrigerate for at least an hour using the Voltas Beko refrigerator’s precise cooling system, which helps maintain the perfect chilled texture while keeping ingredients fresh and flavourful.
- End by garnishing with extra nuts and saffron before serving.
Sabudana Tikki Cups
Inspired by the classic sabudana vada, these crispy potato and tapioca bites are shaped into small cups and filled with spiced yoghurt for a very quick festive snack that feels both traditional and playful.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup soaked sabudana
- 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts, crushed
- 1 green chilli, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- Chopped fresh coriander
- ½ cup thick yoghurt
Method:
- Combine soaked sabudana, mashed potatoes, peanuts, cumin seeds, chilli, coriander, and salt in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into small cup-like forms and place them in greased microwave-safe moulds.
- Cook using the Voltas Beko Microwave Grill Mode, allowing the tikkis to crisp up evenly while retaining a soft centre.Once cooked, fill each cup with chilled yoghurt and garnish with coriander or pomegranate seeds before serving.
Microwave Basundi with Nuts
Basundi is a slow-simmered milk dessert that is a festive staple during Gudi Padwa celebrations. This quicker version recreates the same rich flavour with the help of modern cooking convenience.
Ingredients:
- 1 ltr of full-fat milk
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ¼ tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp chopped almonds and pistachios
- A few strands of saffron
Methods:
- First, pour the milk into a large microwave-safe bowl and heat it in intervals, stirring occasionally to allow it to thicken gradually.
- The Voltas Beko Microwave’s uniform heating technology will help reduce cooking time while ensuring the milk thickens evenly without constant stirring.
- Once slightly reduced, stir in sugar, saffron, and cardamom powder. Continue heating briefly until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency.
- Allow the basundi to cool slightly and refrigerate before serving. Garnish with chopped nuts for a festive finish.
Preparing festive meals does not always have to be very time-consuming. With thoughtful planning and the support of efficient kitchen appliances, traditional dishes can be recreated with ease without much sweat.
