As Indians get ready to celebrate the festival on August 9, food is the best way to bring you closer to each other, even if you are fighting throughout the year. Indian chefs say you can enjoy the day by making these dishes with them
Raksha Bandhan is being celebrated on August 9 this year. Image for representational purpose only. Photo Courtesy: istock
The beauty of Indian festivals is not only the culture and traditions that bring them to life but also the different food that is eaten across the country. While there are many kinds of dishes made by different Indian communities, there are some that are enjoyed by all, and hard to ignore even today, at a time when Indian chefs are innovating with traditional recipes.
If you still love the traditional treats, then Indian chefs say you can make some classic dishes such as the sweet kachori, and the akhrod and badam halwa. While one celebrates street food, the other is a celebratory dessert in homes across the country.
Akhrod aur Badam ka Halwa
The best way to celebrate the day with your sibling is by indulging in halwa, chef Dhamander Yadav, who is also the halwai at ITC Grand Goa Resort & Spa in Arossim, says you can make a delicious Walnut and Almond Halwa, locally called Akhrod aur Badam ka Halwa. Celebrating Indian traditions with indulgent treats like nuts, the dish is not only delicious but one that everybody will love. He explains, "Akhrot aur Badam ka Halwa is a timeless celebration of Indian festivity, rich, soulful, and rooted in tradition. I’ve crafted this recipe to be both luxurious and simple enough to recreate at home, so families and siblings can come together, cook with love, and celebrate the spirit of Raksha Bandhan in the most delicious way possible."
Ingredients:
Almond 650 gm
Akhrod (Walnut) 350 gm
Ghee 500 gm
Sugar 300 gm
Water 200 ml
Almonds, sliced 50 gm
Walnut, half 30 gm
Method:
1. Make a powder of the almond and akhrod using mixer.
2. Take a clean heavy kadhai.
3. Put ghee and keep the gas pressure on medium.
4. Add the nut powder into the ghee and keep mixing slowly till get golden colour.
5. In the meantime, make a sugar syrup ready.
6. Once the nuts get a golden colour, add hot syrup into the nuts and cook for another 5 to 10 minutes.
7. Once it is ready, put it in serving bowl garnish with sliced almond and walnut, and serve hot.
Sweet Kachori
While a walnut and almond halwa is a classic, you cannot deny a Sweet Kachori when it comes to Indian festivals. It is also why Anshul Dhyani, executive chef at ITC Grand Central in Parel in Mumbai suggests making it for the occasion that celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. He explains, “The sweet kachori is a celebration of nostalgia — where the warmth of jaggery, richness of khoya, and crunch of nuts come together in every golden bite. It’s a festive favourite that never fails to bring joy.”
Ingredients:
All-purpose flour 1 cup
Ghee 2 tbsp
Salt a pinch
Water
Jaggery (grated) 1/2 cup
Khoya (optional) 1/4 cup
Cardamom powder 1/4 tsp
Chopped nuts (cashews, almonds) 2 tbsp
Method:
1. Make dough: Mix flour, salt, and ghee. Add water to form a smooth dough. Rest for 15 minutes.
2. Prepare filling: Melt jaggery in a pan. Add khoya, cardamom, and nuts. Cook until thickened.
3. Shape kachoris: Roll dough into small balls, flatten them. Place filling in the centre and seal the edges.
4. Fry: Heat oil and deep fry kachoris until golden brown.
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