New Delhi: Baisakhi is celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in many regions of India. It is a time when people come together to celebrate the abundance of the land and the start of the harvest season. The festival also marks the harvest time of Rabi, the winter crop. Additionally, for the Sikh community, the day also marks the formation of the Khalsa. On this day, a traditional meal is cooked and enjoyed with loved ones, which marks a significant component of the celebration.
Here are some dishes that are guaranteed to bring some flavour and festivity to your celebrations, whether you’re celebrating with family or friends or are just seeking to indulge in some delectable dishes.
1. Paneer Tikka Masala:
Ingredients:
- 1 block paneer, cut into cubes
- 1 bell pepper, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, cut into cubes
- 1 cup plain yoghurt
- 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cream
Preparation:
- Mix plain yoghurt, ginger garlic paste, cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, red chilli powder, and salt in a sizable bowl.
- Then add paneer, bell pepper, and onion to the bowl and thoroughly mixed with the yoghurt mixture. Give it at least 30 minutes to marinate.
- Set the oven’s temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- On skewers, thread paneer, bell pepper, and onion, and then arrange them on a baking sheet. Bake the vegetables for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are soft, and the paneer is golden.
- After that ghee or oil should be heated in a pan at medium heat.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes after adding the smashed tomatoes.
- Cook for a further 5-7 minutes after adding the vegetables and cooked paneer to the pan.
- Mix in cream and simmer for some time until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with roti or naan.
2. Kesar Phirni:
Ingredients:
- 50g Basmati Rice
- 1L milk
- Sugar as per taste
- 1/2tsp green cardamom powder
- 0.5g saffron
- 50g green pistachio
Preparation:
- Soak rice in water for 1 hour and then mix it in the blender to make the paste.
- Take a deep bottom pan and pour milk into it. Heat it.
- Add the rice paste and sugar to the hot milk after which you can add saffron and green cardamom powder.
- Continue cooking till it starts bubbling gradually and the mixture turns homogenous.
- Be careful and cook slowly till the mixture is of the right consistency.
- Pour the hot phirni into water-soaked sakoras and chill for a couple of hours in the refrigerator.
- Garnish it with pistachios and serve.
3. Lassi:
Ingredients:
- Yogurt 2+1/2 cups
- Sugar 1/2 cup
- Ice cubes as required
- Milk 1/2 cup
- Fresh cream as required
Preparation:
- Blend together yoghurt and sugar for two minutes.
- Add ice cubes and continue blending for a minute.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little milk and adjust consistency and blend once more.
- Pour into serving glasses from a height so as to form a foam.
- Top with cream and serve chilled.
- You can also garnish it with kesar strands
