Tired of the same old mithai? This Rakshabandhan, ditch the predictable and take your taste buds on a delicious regional adventure! Your sibling deserves
more than just a sweet toothache.
Alright, let’s be real. How many Rakshabandhans have been celebrated with the same box of sugary gulab jamun, maybe some shoan papdi (crunchy-sweet flaky candy), and perhaps a plate of slightly-soggy samosas? Don’t get me wrong, classics are classic for a reason. But this year, why not shake things up? Why not wrap that sacred thread around a feast that sings the unique flavours of India’s diverse kitchens? Trust me, swapping the generic for the regional is like trading a beige sweater for a vibrant Bandhani print – infinitely more exciting!
North India: Beyond the Bhature (Well, Almost!)
Okay, Punjab, we see you. Chole Bhature is practically a national treasure – fluffy, fried bread (bhature) paired with spicy, tangy chickpea curry (chole). It’s hearty, it’s celebratory, and the sizzle when those bhature hit the hot oil? Pure joy.
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Who doesn't love an inviting plate of Chole Bhature?
But wait! Look east to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. How about Malai Peda? These aren’t your average pedas. Imagine melt-in-your-mouth discs of sweetened, reduced milk (khoya), infused with cardamom, and often dotted with nuts. Rich, creamy, and less cloyingly sweet than some mithais – a sophisticated twist!
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These Malai Pedas look mouthwateringly yummy!
Or, for something truly unique, consider Balushahi – think of it as a glazed, flaky, deep-fried doughnut cousin. Crispy outside, soft and sweet inside, dripping with sugar syrup. Messy? Maybe. Delicious? Absolutely!
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Culinary Maestro Ranveer Brar teaches how to prepare Balushahi
South India: Sweet Symphonies & Savoury Beats
Down south, Rakhi feasts are a melody of textures. Take Hyderabad’s jewel: Double Ka Meetha. Imagine golden-fried bread slices soaked in fragrant saffron and cardamom-infused milk syrup, often layered like a trifle. It’s rich, it’s decadent, it tastes like a warm hug. The bread soaks up all that goodness, becoming impossibly soft and flavourful. Pure bliss!
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Doesn't this look absolutely toothsome?
But don't neglect the savoury! Medu Vada – those crispy, savoury lentil doughnuts – served with fluffy idlis and tangy sambar or creamy coconut chutney, make a fantastic celebratory breakfast or snack spread. Light yet satisfying.
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Easy to make, delicious to taste
East India: Subtle Sweetness & Savoury Soul Food
Bengal whispers elegance. Forget the overly sweet, embrace the delicate. Patishapta Pitha are delicate crepes, often made around festivals, filled with creamy coconut and jaggery (or sometimes sweetened khoya). They’re light, subtly sweet, and utterly delightful. Perfect if you want mithai without the sugar crash!
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For a savoury punch, Luchi-Alur Dom is pure comfort. Picture perfectly puffed, deep-fried pooris (luchi) paired with a spicy, potato curry (alur dom). Simple, soul-satisfying, and oh-so-Bengali!
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Venture further east to areas influenced by Nepal, and you might find warming bowls of Thukpa (noodle soup) finding their way onto Rakhi tables – perfect for cooler regions or rainy days.
West India: Guilty Pleasures & Fiery Flavours
Maharashtra and Gujarat bring the fun! Shrikhand Puri is a classic combo – thick, sweetened strained yoghurt (shrikhand), flavoured with cardamom and saffron, paired with soft, puffy puris. Sweet, tangy, and textural heaven!
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Feeling adventurous? Dhokla, the steamed, spongy savoury cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, is always a crowd-pleaser. Light, tangy, and often tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves. Serve it with spicy green chutney for a kick!
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And for those who love a bit of heat, a well-made Puran Poli (sweet lentil stuffed flatbread) from Maharashtra is unbeatable – sweet filling encased in thin, soft bread.
So this Rakshabandhan, skip the predictable aisle. Dig into your roots, explore a sibling’s favourite regional flavour, or just try something wonderfully new. Hunt down that local sweet shop, or order authentic sweets online. Wrap your love not just in thread, but in the unique, vibrant, and utterly delicious flavours of India.
