We are right in the middle of the festival season and the rush of adrenaline is hard to ignore. The markets are filled with colourful rakhis and even more colourful sweets. It is true that Indian mithais dominate Rakhshabandhan festivities in India, but too many sweets can make the fare a tad monotonous. Which is why we always need something savoury to jazz things up. Here’s a list of classic snacks that you can add to your rakhi menu. Since most people like to eat only vegetarian food on Rakhi or Raksha Bandhan, we have handpicked some of our best veg snacks to make sure you celebrate the occasion with aplomb.
1. Paneer Tikka
Cottage cheese marinated in creamy mix of yogurt and spices and cooked in tandoor, oven or pan, paneer tikka is an iconic party-starter. And there is no way we are letting you throw a Rakhi bash without it.
2. Cracker Pizza Snacks
Hands down the easiest snack on our list. If you are expecting some kids over, this is definitely going to work as a charm. All you need are some crackers or savoury biscuits, drop some ketchup or any condiment of your choice, followed by a smidge of mozzarella cheese, some herbs, put it in the microwave or oven and you are done.
3. Nimki
Nimki, also known as Namak Pare, is an ubiquitous festive snack up North. You may find it across all general stores, but once you start making them at home you would perhaps never head to any. Nimki are a bunch of mini, diamond-shaped crisps made out of maida, ajwain or kalonji.
4. Aloo Tikki Chole Chaat
This classic Delhi snack combines two of our favourite foods aloo tikki, which is a spicy potato pattice, stuffed with more potatoes and chole, a spicy chickpea gravy. A generous dash of chutneys and chaat masalas also makes this snack all things eclectic.
5. Bread Vada
Thought making vada was always a complicated process, we simplified it for you! This deep-fried snack only requires some slices of bread, green chillies, onion, garlic, yogurt. Mix them all together, drop it in hot oil and serve up the crispy vadas.
6. Baked stuffed mushroom
Mushroom caps stuffed with cheese, mixed herbs, capsicum and garlic; this baked snack is a hit among all age groups. Serve it at your gathering and be ready for refill requests.
Happy Raksha Bandhan everybody.