Tri-coloured Recipes for Independence Day

On this Independence Day, let us take a moment to honour our cultural history and the variety of flavours that make Indian food so special.

Tricolour Burrata Salad – This salad combines the creamy richness of burrata with the crispness of carrots and the hearty texture of kale, complemented by a tangy and slightly sweet dressing. The Tricolour Burrata Salad draws its inspiration from the Indian national flag, reflecting the colours that symbolize our country’s values and aspirations. Each ingredient in this salad is carefully selected for its quality and freshness. The burrata cheese, known for its rich, buttery texture, pairs beautifully with the crispness of the vegetables. The salad is lightly drizzled with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, enhancing the natural Flavors without overpowering them. A hint of balsamic reduction adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, perfectly balancing the dish. It holds special significance when served on Indian Independence Day, primarily due to its representation of the Indian national flag through its vibrant colours. Here’s a breakdown of its symbolic elements:

Colour Representation: The salad typically features ingredients in the colours of the Indian flag:

• Saffron (Orange): This can be represented by ingredients like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or carrots.
• White: The burrata cheese itself represents the white colour of the flag.
• Green: Ingredients such as basil leaves, Kale, arugula represent the green colour of the flag.

Patriotism and Celebration: Serving a dish that visually mirrors the Indian flag invokes a sense of patriotism and national pride.

Cultural Fusion: The tricolour burrata salad is an example of culinary fusion, blending Italian cuisine (burrata cheese) with Indian symbolism. This reflects the modern Indian ethos of embracing global influences while staying rooted in its own traditions.

Zanzanit Kairicha Zunka (Raw Mango Zunka)

• A traditional Zunka recipe that I learnt from my mother in which I tried adding in the peeled & grated raw mango while preparing the Zunka & I must tell you that it was so delectable as the flavour and juices in mango enhanced the already amazing flavour of authentic / traditional Zunka.
• A combination that is immensely popular in Maharashtra is the Zunka Bhakri (Zunka Bhakar).

There are many ways to mark this occasion, and one of them is to incorporate the colours of the Indian flag into your meals. Risotto recipe not only celebrate the national colour but also offer a variety of flavour and ingredient that can appeal to different tastes. Use a combination of bell pepper puree and basil puree is to create a fresh, and healthy risotto with the desired colour scheme. It also serves as a great opportunity to highlight the diversity of cuisine around the world and add a festive touch.

Paneer Tikka Skewers

With their vivid orange, white, and green layers, tricoloured paneer tikka skewers perfectly reflect the essence of the Indian flag, making them a perfect choice for commemorating Indian Independence Day. This recipe, which is visually appealing and simple to make, is ideal for an Independence Day Celebration because it gives the classic paneer tikka a distinctive and patriotic touch. In addition to displaying the colours of our flag, the tricoloured Paneer Tikka Skewers perfectly capture the essence of India’s variety and togetherness. Every layer on the skewer pays homage to the Country’s various areas and culinary customs. This recipe becomes a culinary expression of our pride in our country because it is made with fresh, simple ingredients and brightly coloured spices. It’s a beautiful way to unite people around essential and tasty food as we celebrate the history of our country and its diverse culinary heritage.

Here are some recipes for you to try:

• Tricolor Burrata Salad Courtesy Sandeep Deshmukh, Executive Chef, Bluebop Café
• Zanzanit Kairicha Zunka Courtesy Chef Reetu Uday Kugaji, Culinary Expert & Chef Consultant
• Spinach Feta Tortellini with Saffron Cheese SAUCE Courtesy Shreedhar Punna, Executive Chef, Mercure Hyderabad KCP
• Trio Of Risotto Courtesy Arun Thakur, Executive Sous Chef at Shangri-La Eros New Delhi.
• Malai Cham Cham Courtesy Shiva Ramakrishna, Executive Chef at Novotel Vijayawada Varun
• Tricolored Paneer Tikka Skewers Courtesy Ruffy Shaikh, Senior Sous Chef, ITC Grand Central, Mumbai

Read the full story that first appeared in Deccan Chronicle dated August 12, 2024 here: