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The four-day period of Arghya during the Chhath Puja festival—is essentially divided into nahay-khaay, kharna, sandhya arghya and usha arghya. During this period, tradition dictates that certain preparations, using specific ingredients are eaten as a way of observance—each having their own symbolism. Keeping traditional practices alive but with modern-day applications means upscaling what was already intrinsic to the celebrations without taking away from its essence. Hence, finding creative ways to incorporate ingredients into contemporary classics using Usha’s OTG is a great way to pass down knowledge and preserving age-old practices, but with the convenience of not spending long hours by the stovetop.
Kheer Brulee
Image Credits: Pexels
Since rice and milk are part of the ritual offerings which take place during the time of surya arghya, kheer is consumed during the second day, as prasad, once it has been offered to the sun god. Give the traditional delicacy a delicious twist inspired by French dessert making to create a creamy, casserole-like kheer preparation complete with a burnt sugar crust on top. Serve it either in individual ramekins or bake a single batch in a ceramic dish—complete with the flavour of cardamom and chopped nuts.
Baked Thekua
The deep-fried jaggery and whole wheat delicacy which is synonymous with chhath puja celebrations, is a classic that can easily be recreated using an OTG. Whether you choose to shape the dough and bake them in the oven until they reach a desirable donenness or toast them lightly on a dry pan before finishing them in the oven, either way the texture of the thekua is sure to be perfectly crisp. One can also use the low setting of the oven to keep them warm until serving and remove them just in time for them to be offered and relished right after.
Banana Cake/Bread
Like coconuts, plenty of bananas get left behind once offered in the rituals; and what better way to use them up than to turn them into deliciously moist loaves of banana bread or cake! Make them your way by adding in toasted walnuts, chocolate chips, topping it up with shredded coconut, cinnamon sugar or keeping it simple. Add globs of salted caramel if looking for a decadent sweet treat. Swap the sugar for maple syrup or mashed dates to make a sugar-free version. Use almond flour instead of regular flour for a gluten-free take on the baked classic—the options are endless.
Coconut Macaroons
Wondering what to do with all the coconuts post offering? Simply grate them and add it to a butter-loaded batter before baking them into chewy macaroons. These sweet cookie-like treats are known to have a crisp exterior and a softer centre—making them the ideal tea time accompaniment or sweet morsel to relish after a sumptuous meal. If the intent to bake these treats is not immediate, simply dehydrate the coconut in a low oven and store it in an air-tight jar for later use as flakes, desiccated coconut or even toasted coconut shreds.
Chickpea-Pumpkin Traybake
Image Credits: Pexels
For those who follow a no-carb diet even during the festive period, roasting vegetables and legumes in an oven can be a great way to cut out the grease while also ensuring complete nutritional intake. Toss cooked chickpeas and cubes of pumpkin in a homemade spice blend before baking it until golden-brown; make a warm salad using arugula, walnuts and a delicious vinaigrette or simply eat it as an accompaniment to cauliflower rice, for a hearty lunch or dinner.
