What’s a festival without its trademark delicacies? Here’s a list of some of the most iconic and delectable Punjabi foods that are a must-have during Vaisakhi.
Vaisakhi not only marks the onset of the New Year but also the harvest time of rabi crops and is celebrated with much joy and gusto across the Punjabi and Sikh community across the world. While dancing, singing, paying respect at Gurudwaras and dressing up are major parts of Vaisakhi celebrations, like any other festival, the Vaisakhi festivities are incomplete sans its trademark delicacies. A sumptuous feast, replete with some quintessential Punjabi dishes like chole bhature, sarson da saag, and pindi chane, is specially prepared on this day to welcome the festivities. Here are the top Punjabi dishes that are a must-have to keep up the spirit of Vaisakhi festival…
Punjabi Kadhi
Spicy, tangy, sour and utterly scrumptious, Punjabi kadhi with onion pakoras dunked in it, is a delicacy that is a must to jazz up your Vaisakhi merriments. Made with sour curd and various spices Punjabi kadhi is best enjoyed with basmati steam rice or lachchha parathas.
Kesari Chawal
Kesari chawal aka peeley chawal is a traditional Punjabi dessert that is a staple in every Punjabi household during Vaisakhi celebrations. Made with basmati rice, sugar syrup and an assortment of aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, saffron and a variety of dry fruits, this delicious yellow-hued rice is a definite must-have to welcome the festive spirit of Vaisakhi.
Chole Bhature
The delectable combination of tangy chickpeas and fluffy bhaturas are a hit across the world; this all-time favourite North Indian dish is also a staple celebratory Vaisakhi food that can be enjoyed for either breakfast, lunch or even for dinner.
Pindi Chana
Vaisakhi celebrations are incomplete without this signature chickpea Punjabi dish, which is made with an assortment of spices like peppercorn, cloves, bay leaves, and cardamom. Unlike Punjabi Chole, pindi chana is a dry preparation and is served with raw onion, tomatoes and green chillies.
Sarson Da Saag & Makki Ki Roti
Think Vaisakhi food and you certainly can’t skip sarson da saag and makki ki roti from the list. This winning combination of corn flour bread and cooked mustard greens needs no introduction. A winter staple across north India, traditional Vaisakhi festivities are never complete unless this tasty and nutritious dish is part of your festive menu.
Coconut Laddoos
Another preparation that is relished during the Vaisakhi revelries is nariyal ke laddoos. Made from grated coconuts, condensed milk, ghee, semolina, and sugar, these snowy wonder balls are perfect cold desserts to add sweetness to your festivities.
So, go ahead and delight your taste buds with these lip-smacking delicacies this Vaisakhi.