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Ganesh Chaturthi is here and it is a joyous festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha. Among the many rituals and customs associated with this auspicious day, one that stands out is the preparation of delectable dishes as offerings to our favourite Ganpati Bappa. He is known to be fond of several delicious food items, so preparing a festive menu for Vinayak Chaturthi is important and many different parts of India do exactly that.
While elaborate feasts are prepared during the day, starting the day on a celebratory note is equally important. So, let us focus on the first meal of the day and look at a special breakfast menu you can prepare, featuring five dishes from different regions of India, each with its own unique flavours.
Puran Poli:
Recipe - Chef Ranveer Brar
Our culinary journey begins in Maharashtra, where Puran Poli takes centre stage. This sweet flatbread is a blend of wheat flour and a sweet filling made from chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, and spices like cardamom. The dough is carefully rolled out, stuffed with the rich filling, and then roasted to perfection. The final dish is a mouthwatering delicacy that combines the goodness of wholesome grains with the sweetness of jaggery and the warmth of spices. Puran Poli is a beloved symbol of tradition and devotion, often enjoyed throughout the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities.
Chuda Ghasa:
Chuda Ghasa is a traditional Ganesh Chaturthi dish hailing from Odisha. Made primarily from beaten rice (chuda), this dish is simple yet incredibly flavourful. The chuda is moistened with ghee and then fruits are added to it along with sugar. Bananas are especially important to add. Chuda gasa is served with boondi. The dish is both nourishing and delicious, making it a perfect choice for the Ganesh Chaturthi morning feast.
Paniyaram or Appe:
Recipe - Hebbars Kitchen
From the southern states of India comes Paniyaram, a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both as a breakfast item and a snack. Paniyaram is prepared from a fermented batter made with rice and urad dal. The batter is seasoned with spices, including black pepper and curry leaves, and is then poured into specially designed moulds for steaming. So, you have a batch of golden-brown, fluffy dumplings with a crispy outer layer and a soft, spongy interior.
Karanji:
Karanji or gujiya is a sweet pastry that holds a special place in the hearts of many during Ganesh Chaturthi. Made from a delicate, flaky dough filled with a mixture of grated coconut, jaggery, cardamom, and sometimes nuts, Karanji is deep-fried to perfection. Karanji is often referred to as "Gujiya" or "pedakiya" in other parts of India and is a must-have during this festive season. Its crispy, golden exterior contrasts beautifully with the sweet filling, making it a yummy festive breakfast option.
Sabudana Vada:
Sabudana Vada is another beloved snack from Maharashtra and Gujarat that finds its way onto the Ganesh Chaturthi breakfast menu. These crispy, golden fritters are made from soaked and drained tapioca pearls mixed with mashed potatoes, ground peanuts, and spices like cumin and green chillies. Shallow-fried until they are golden brown and crispy, sabudana vada is often served with a side of cooling, mint raita, making it a popular choice for breakfast or as a tea-time snack during the festival.
