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Every year, Republic Day is marked with great pomp and zeal around the nation. It is a momentous occasion that celebrates the diversity and cultural richness of a land which is home to hundreds of vibrant, thriving communities. Planning a dinner at home to celebrate this special day means paying attention to this very regional and seasonal flair that the public holiday epitomises.
Colourful platters of appetisers, fragrant mains and rich desserts elegantly bring forth the celebratory vibe of the day. Revel in the camaraderie and community spirit that such a dinner invokes with a well-planned course by course menu that sets the tone of the celebration.
First Course: Bold, Thematic Appetisers
To plan a Republic Day dinner menu, start strong with appetisers that immediately make the theme of the gathering apparent. Light, flavour-forward appetisers could be easy nods to green, saffron and white hues that are an integral part of the festive celebrations. While planning a dinner for friends or a large group of people, choose make-ahead appetisers so you can prepare them in advance and simply shallow-fry, deep-fry or grill right before serving.
Such appetisers could be vibrant platters of paneer and spinach tikkas, coated in the deep green colour of the leafy vegetables. Another alternative could be carrot and beet cutlets whose saffron and red hues play into the day’s theme. Crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, these texturally rich cutlets can be served with fresh mint chutney. Mini veg kebabs full of vibrant colours, saffron-infused malai chicken tikka bites and green paneer pahadi kebabs can be among the appetisers which will complement the celebrations.
Second Course: Thick Soups
Follow the appetisers with a comforting, warm bowl of soup that warms up your appetite without becoming overwhelming. Prepare a deeply orange carrot and cream soup or a cream of vegetable soup or even some palak soup as steaming hot serves that soothe late-winter chills.
Thick soups are an interesting option, presented in deeper bowls as small plates, akin to a bouillabaisse. Go for creamy cauliflower and garlic soup or a thick mushroom soup. Serve this course in small portions so there is still room for the main dish that will follow.
Third Course: Mains That Celebrate Indian Kitchens
The main course is the most significant part of the Republic Day dinner meal. This is the moment when you can actually explore regional nuances and serve sumptuous portions of dishes made using seasonal ingredients. The flavours of diverse Indian kitchens can truly come to life in the main course.
Some vegetarian centrepieces could be a classic paneer butter masala or Kashmiri dum aloo that celebrate the bounty of northern Indian kitchens. A terrific vegetable stew can be an ode to Kerala’s kitchens. Tangy and spicy fish curry can also be prepared for the occasion to mark the flavours of Konkan’s coastal kitchens. If working with freshwater fish like rohu or bhetki, prepare them in mustard oil and spice the curry up with green chillies for the Bengali cuisine effect. Serve these mains with garlic naan, steamed vegetable pulao or beet and spinach kulchas. A side of chaas or solkadhi will become a gentle cleanser that keeps the palate fresh and light at the end of the main course.
Fourth Course: Meaningful Desserts
Desserts will form the last course of this sumptuous feast. Prepare sweet treats inspired by the spirit of the celebrations. A three-coloured phirni layered with mango, coconut and pista can be a luxurious option. Kesar-infused kheer flavoured with the crunch of assorted roasted nuts is another densely-flavoured alternative. Prepare a seasonally popular gajar halwa with a silver leaf garnish as a stunning dessert that closes the Republic Day feast on a sweet and indulgent note.
