Celebrate Raksha Bandhan with easy homemade dishes that’ll bring a smile to your sibling’s face!
The bond shared between a brother and a sister goes far
beyond words, and Raksha Bandhan is a beautiful reminder of this pure connection. On this special day, sisters traditionally apply tilak on their brothers' foreheads, tie a sacred thread called Rakhi around their wrists, and offer heartfelt prayers for their well-being and long life. This thread is not just a thread; it carries deep emotions and unconditional love. So this Raksha Bandhan, let’s add a little extra joy to the celebration by preparing some delicious treats for your siblings and see their faces light up, because no festival is truly complete without food and smiles.
Poori Bhaji
Poori Bhaji is a timeless favourite that never fails to delight. The crispy, golden pooris paired with a mildly spiced, comforting potato bhaji make for a perfect festive treat—simple, hearty, and soul-satisfying. To make the bhaji, boil and mash potatoes, then sauté them with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, turmeric, and a pinch of asafoetida. Add salt and a splash of water, letting the flavors come together. For the pooris, knead whole wheat flour with a little salt and water into a firm dough, roll into small discs, and deep-fry until puffed and golden. Serve hot and enjoy the magic of this classic duo!
Aloo Chaat
There’s something about chaat that instantly lifts the mood and adds a burst of flavour to any celebration. For a delicious aloo chaat, dice and boil potatoes until tender, then shallow-fry or air-fry them until crispy. Toss them with chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, a squeeze of lemon juice, chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, and salt. Top it off with tamarind chutney, curd, fresh coriander, pomegranate seeds and sev for that crunch. Serve immediately and let the flavours do the talking!
Vegetable Pulav
If you're not someone who cooks regularly but wants to surprise your sibling with something special, skip the food delivery and try making this simple vegetable pulao at home. It's a gesture that’s sure to bring a big smile to their face. Start by sautéing whole spices like bay leaf, cloves, and cumin in ghee or oil. Add sliced onions, ginger-garlic paste, and cook until golden. Mix in chopped vegetables like carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes. Stir in soaked rice, salt, and a pinch of garam masala. Add water, cover, and let it cook until the rice is fluffy and the veggies are tender. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve warm with raita or pickle for a wholesome meal made with love.
Gulab Jamun
No Indian festival feels truly complete without sweets, and Raksha Bandhan is no exception. While gulab jamun might seem tricky to make, this easy version will help you surprise your siblings with a homemade treat that’s full of love.
To make gulab jamuns from scratch, combine ½ cup of khoya (mawa), 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour (maida), and a pinch of baking soda. Knead gently into a soft dough, adding a spoon of milk if needed. Shape into small, smooth balls. Deep-fry them on low heat until golden brown. Meanwhile, prepare sugar syrup by boiling 1 cup sugar with 1 cup water, a few cardamom pods, and a few drops of rose water or saffron strands. Soak the warm jamuns in hot syrup for at least 30 minutes. Serve them warm or chilled!
Kadai Paneer
If you're looking to elevate your lunch, Kadai Paneer is a must-have on the menu! Start by heating oil in a pan and tempering cumin seeds, then sauté onions until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes and cook until soft and pulpy. Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt, followed by little water. Lower the heat, add yogurt, and cook gently before adding dried fenugreek for an aromatic touch. Toss in tomato, onion, and capsicum pieces, then fold in paneer cubes. Finish with kadai masala, a squeeze of lemon juice, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot.
