<p>India is the world’s festivity capital. Festivals for us imply joy and togetherness and be it our culture or anywhere in the world, festivals are about the idea of<br />being together, celebrating in harmony with your family and friends. The present circumstances require caution and adherence to certain rules but it can still be an amazing <span class="italic">Diwali</span>.</p>.<p>Keeping up with the traditional roots of India, and with the thought of rekindling the joy of the festival, many chefs and hotels across the country and <span class="italic">namma</span><br />Bengaluru have come up with some very interesting curated menus and gift hampers that can be enjoyed and shared to celebrate the festive spirit.</p>.<p>Ushering in the delightful spirit of <span class="italic">Deepavali</span>, one of many renowned hotel chains have unveiled a collection of bespoke gifting options. Presenting a heartening symphony of flavours, the hotel has also launched a fine-array of artisanal hampers which speak of elegance and showcase scrumptious selections from their signature kitchens.</p>.<p>“These packages comprise vegetarian options only and signature <span class="italic">mithais</span> and are available to add cheer to customers as they relish these delicacies,” say Executive Chefs Uchit Vohra and Akshraj Jodha of a well-known luxury hotel chain who have devised a delicious set menu, ‘The Gourmet Couch’.</p>.<p>Some restaurants also have gift hampers that include brass <span class="italic">diyas, </span>a deck of playing cards, party lights (rice lights set) with the meal orders to brighten up your <span class="italic">Diwali</span>.</p>.<p>The menu contains some very interesting recipes dished out just for this festive season and delivered with safety and care to your home at a very reasonable price.</p>.<p>Some hotels are also offering royal thalis that are traditional and healthy. It’s not just safe and palatable, it is luxury served on a platter. Chef Gagan, who has a vast culinary experience at Michelin star restaurants, has curated one such festive <span class="italic">thali</span> which reflects his passion for food and zeal for innovation.</p>.<p>The thali comprises of lotus stem curry, <span class="italic">paneer makhani, dal chironji, malai paneer tikka, sago vadas, sabudana</span> sautéed with pomegranate, buckwheat <span class="italic">pooris</span> (that could be replaced by pancakes if you want to save on the calories and eat healthy).</p>.<p>The delicious almond <span class="italic">phirni</span> and <span class="italic">dahi bhallas</span> are the show stealers because <span class="italic">bhallas</span> have been replaced by buckwheat <span class="italic">vadas</span> in <span class="italic">dahi</span> that are not fried but steamed.</p>.<p>Surely this season our city has many interesting food trends. The idea is to celebrate with our loved ones and nourish this deep-rooted culture of exchanging love and happiness to keep up our spirits. </p>.<p>This <span class="italic">Deepavali</span> is literally about being with the family, eating, cooking, laughing together and letting go.</p>.<p>If it’s a house party you plan to host, Chef Parvinder Bali suggests his signature recipe Kham Khatai Kebab to make the occasion memorable. Ingredients</p>.<p>Green moong dal: 100 g</p>.<p>Desi ghee: 10 g</p>.<p>Cinnamon: 5g</p>.<p>Cloves: 5g</p>.<p>Green cardamom: 5g</p>.<p>Bay leaf: 2 nos</p>.<p>Mace: 5g</p>.<p>Dhap Khoya: 50g</p>.<p>Broken cashews: 20g</p>.<p>Green chillies: 10g</p>.<p>Coriander: 10g</p>.<p>Salt: 10g</p>.<p>Turmeric: 5g</p>.<p>Method</p>.<p>Boil the green moong dal <br />with turmeric powder, salt and khada garam masala</p>.<p>Boil till it is well done.</p>.<p>In a vessel add sliced onions, finely chopped green chillies and sauté the boiled dal. </p>.<p>Cook till the time the lentil is perfectly cooked.</p>.<p>Give it a round shape and pan grill them.</p>.<p>(<em><span class="italic">The author is a lifestyle coach & social media influencer.</span></em>)</p>
<p>India is the world’s festivity capital. Festivals for us imply joy and togetherness and be it our culture or anywhere in the world, festivals are about the idea of<br />being together, celebrating in harmony with your family and friends. The present circumstances require caution and adherence to certain rules but it can still be an amazing <span class="italic">Diwali</span>.</p>.<p>Keeping up with the traditional roots of India, and with the thought of rekindling the joy of the festival, many chefs and hotels across the country and <span class="italic">namma</span><br />Bengaluru have come up with some very interesting curated menus and gift hampers that can be enjoyed and shared to celebrate the festive spirit.</p>.<p>Ushering in the delightful spirit of <span class="italic">Deepavali</span>, one of many renowned hotel chains have unveiled a collection of bespoke gifting options. Presenting a heartening symphony of flavours, the hotel has also launched a fine-array of artisanal hampers which speak of elegance and showcase scrumptious selections from their signature kitchens.</p>.<p>“These packages comprise vegetarian options only and signature <span class="italic">mithais</span> and are available to add cheer to customers as they relish these delicacies,” say Executive Chefs Uchit Vohra and Akshraj Jodha of a well-known luxury hotel chain who have devised a delicious set menu, ‘The Gourmet Couch’.</p>.<p>Some restaurants also have gift hampers that include brass <span class="italic">diyas, </span>a deck of playing cards, party lights (rice lights set) with the meal orders to brighten up your <span class="italic">Diwali</span>.</p>.<p>The menu contains some very interesting recipes dished out just for this festive season and delivered with safety and care to your home at a very reasonable price.</p>.<p>Some hotels are also offering royal thalis that are traditional and healthy. It’s not just safe and palatable, it is luxury served on a platter. Chef Gagan, who has a vast culinary experience at Michelin star restaurants, has curated one such festive <span class="italic">thali</span> which reflects his passion for food and zeal for innovation.</p>.<p>The thali comprises of lotus stem curry, <span class="italic">paneer makhani, dal chironji, malai paneer tikka, sago vadas, sabudana</span> sautéed with pomegranate, buckwheat <span class="italic">pooris</span> (that could be replaced by pancakes if you want to save on the calories and eat healthy).</p>.<p>The delicious almond <span class="italic">phirni</span> and <span class="italic">dahi bhallas</span> are the show stealers because <span class="italic">bhallas</span> have been replaced by buckwheat <span class="italic">vadas</span> in <span class="italic">dahi</span> that are not fried but steamed.</p>.<p>Surely this season our city has many interesting food trends. The idea is to celebrate with our loved ones and nourish this deep-rooted culture of exchanging love and happiness to keep up our spirits. </p>.<p>This <span class="italic">Deepavali</span> is literally about being with the family, eating, cooking, laughing together and letting go.</p>.<p>If it’s a house party you plan to host, Chef Parvinder Bali suggests his signature recipe Kham Khatai Kebab to make the occasion memorable. Ingredients</p>.<p>Green moong dal: 100 g</p>.<p>Desi ghee: 10 g</p>.<p>Cinnamon: 5g</p>.<p>Cloves: 5g</p>.<p>Green cardamom: 5g</p>.<p>Bay leaf: 2 nos</p>.<p>Mace: 5g</p>.<p>Dhap Khoya: 50g</p>.<p>Broken cashews: 20g</p>.<p>Green chillies: 10g</p>.<p>Coriander: 10g</p>.<p>Salt: 10g</p>.<p>Turmeric: 5g</p>.<p>Method</p>.<p>Boil the green moong dal <br />with turmeric powder, salt and khada garam masala</p>.<p>Boil till it is well done.</p>.<p>In a vessel add sliced onions, finely chopped green chillies and sauté the boiled dal. </p>.<p>Cook till the time the lentil is perfectly cooked.</p>.<p>Give it a round shape and pan grill them.</p>.<p>(<em><span class="italic">The author is a lifestyle coach & social media influencer.</span></em>)</p>