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Independence Day special recipes: Malai ghevar and Tri-colour idli
Every year, as the morning of August 15, 2025 dawns, the country awakens to the fluttering of the tricolour, the echo of patriotic songs, and the warmth of shared pride. Streets are painted in saffron, white, and green; markets bustle with people buying flags, badges, and sweets; and homes prepare to welcome loved ones for a day filled with the speeches, parades, and cultural performances, there's another form of celebration that quietly binds us all with food. Festive meals become the centrepiece of Independence Day gatherings, whether it's a lavish spread for a family lunch or simple snacks enjoyed while watching the Flag hoist on TV. Every bite seems to carry the flavour of freedom and the joy of traditional mithais passed down for generations to innovative dishes that give a modern twist to classic favourites, Independence Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate India's culinary diversity. It's a time when kitchens across the country experiment with colours, textures, and tastes, paying homage to the tricolour through creative plating and presentation.
To understand how food can capture the essence of the tricolour, India Today spoke with the culinary team at Neemrana Hotel, who shared two delightful recipes, Malai Ghevar and Tri-Colour Idli, that perfectly combine tradition, taste, and the festive dishes are not only visually striking but also steeped in cultural roots, making them ideal for family celebrations on August GHEVAR – A RAJASTHANI SWEET WITH A FESTIVE TWIST
Ingredients500 gms maida150 gms ghee1.5 litres water1 litre milk50 gms sugar5 gms cardamom powder1 gram saffron50 gms chopped dry fruitsFor sugar syrup: 500 gms sugar, 250 ml water, a pinch of saffronGhee for frying50 gms green pea pureeMethodHeat ghee in a heavy-bottom pan, cool it with ice, and separate ghee until smooth, gradually adding maida and water to form a flowing ghee for frying, place a circular mould, pour batter in the centre, and fry until golden sugar syrup by heating water and sugar until fully dissolved; add fried ghevar in warm syrup and the malai, heat milk, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron, and green pea puree. Reduce to half, then cool until ghevar with malai and garnish with IDLI – SOFT, HEALTHY, AND FESTIVE
Ingredients3 cups idli batter0.5 cup carrot or pumpkin puree (saffron colour)0.5 cup spinach puree (green colour)SaltadvertisementOil for greasingMethodDivide batter into three carrot/pumpkin puree into one portion for saffron spinach puree into another portion for green one portion plain idli moulds, pour green batter first, then white, and lastly saffron for 12–15 minutes until soft and with chutney of THESE RECIPES ARE PERFECT FOR AUGUST 15
The Malai Ghevar represents the royal sweetness of Rajasthan, while the Tri-Colour Idli symbolises unity in diversity through its vibrant hues and South Indian roots. Both dishes are simple enough to prepare at home yet elegant enough for festive gatherings. With a little creativity, food can become a heartfelt expression of national pride.- EndsMust Watch
