If you thought Raksha Bandhan was the only Indian festival that celebrated siblings, here’s what you need to know about Bhai Dooj. Bhai Dooj, or Bhatra Dwitiya, is an Indian festival that celebrates the bond of love, care, respect and protection between brothers and sisters. It is known by different names in different regions, like Bhai Phota in Bengal, Bhau Beej in Maharashtra, Bhai Tika in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, etc.
Like Raksha Bandhan, Bhai Dooj also celebrates the holy relationship between brothers and sisters. On this special day, sisters apply a sandalwood paste on their brothers’ foreheads called tilak and pray that they should be blessed with good health, long life, and prosperity. Brothers vow to protect their sisters against any danger and also pray for their wellbeing prosperity and ask for their blessings.
This year, the auspicious festival of Bhai Dooj will be celebrated on the 15th of November, 2023, just two days after Diwali. Yet, talking about ceremonies for Bhai Dooj 2023 will be incomplete without any mention of food. On this day, brothers and sisters not only share love and blessings but also plenty of food. And no matter what your age, indulging in snack-worthy finger foods on Bhai Dooj is the most fun, ever.
So, this year, celebrate your Bhai Dooj by making these eight delicious finger foods or appetizers.
1. Honey Chilli Potato
Food lovers will really love Honey Chili Potatoes, as it is a delectable mixture of sweet-and-spicy flavours. The crunchy potato wedges are first double-fried to have that crispy texture, and then they are smothered with a savory honey sauce spiced with chilly resulting in the perfect sweetness. As you take each bite, you experience the perfect symphony of sweet and sour sensations with a slow tinge of heat afterward. Honey Chili Potatoes may be served as an appetizer or snack.
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2. Chicken Pakoda
Chicken pakoda is a crispy and spicy dish of boneless chicken that is popular in all regions of India. Everyone loves this dish as it is not only the perfect snack or appetiser for guests, but is also loved by people of all ages–naturally then, it is perfect for Bhai Dooj celebrations if you are non-vegetarian. The tender chicken pieces are first marinated in aromatic spices and then dipped in chickpea flour batter before deep-frying until crispy and golden brown. This dish is a mouthwatering, crunchy snack, perfect for a quick and savoury indulgence.
3. Potato Puffs
Delicious potato puffs are concoctions made of mashed potatoes and many spices. They are usually deep-fried until they form golden brown crusts on them, which are then contrasted by their soft and creamy texture inside. They are known to be a preferred snack and appetiser, together with condiments such as ketchup or mint chutney etc. Potato puffs will always be loved among the Indian crowds of kids since they are deliciously salty, crispy and satisfying.
4. Paneer Tikka Sliders
An amazing amalgamation of the spices of India and the fast food of America, Paneer Tikka sliders are perfect for your Bhai Dooj celebrations. They are bite-sized burgers having delicious chunks of marinated paneer, grilled and stuffed into mini burger buns. Smoky and spicy, the paneer is permeated with a mixture of spices and yogurt, making it irresistible. These are slider-type paneer tikkas served with mint chutney and sliced veggies like tomatoes and lettuce that make unique starters or snacks for all.
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5. Tandoori Aloo
The mouth-watering fusions of flavor and texture demonstrate the fame of Tandoori Aloo, an Indian dish that is either prepared in a tandoor or any oven. It is a delightful dish made of marinated potato slices sprinkled with herbs and dried yogurt before baking it in a tandoor. This produces a smoky, charred outer layer with a soft and tasty inside. Tandoori Aloo is an appetizing snack or side dish which is popular among those who appreciate Indian cuisine for its distinctive, robust, earthy flavours and spices.
6. Aloo Bonda
The delicious South Indian snack called Aloo Bonda teases the tongue through its crunchy outside and tasty, soft inner stuffing. It is made with mashed potatoes seasoned with aromatic spices and herbs coated with a thick, spicy gram flour batter and fried. Every bite has a mixture of textures and flavors, crust exterior, and mildly seasoned potatoes. Popular as street food and a favourite as a snack, it provides insights into the many dishes that make up traditional Indian cuisine.
7. Samosa Pinwheel
The samosa pinwheel is a unique variant of a popular Indian snack, samosa. The filling is a delicious mixture of spicy potatoes, peas and aromatic herbs, in a crispy yellow-colored crust. The interesting thing about them is that they are shaped like a pinwheel, so not only do they look cool but they can also be dipped in any chutney or sauce. These samosa pinwheels combine tradition and innovation and are like mini food adventures to be enjoyed with every bite.
8. Chicken 65
Chicken 65 is an irresistible Indian snack delicacy that pleases palates with its tasty and crunchy flavor. Soft, fresh, boneless chicken chunks are marinated in a delicious combination of spice, chili, and yogurt, and then fried. The chicken pieces are then tossed in a spicy sauce of curry leaves, mustard seeds, dry red chillies and more, making for irresistibly contrasting experiences in both feel and taste.