This year, Rakhi or Rakshabandhan will fall on the 19th of August, and it is a sweet festival that completely symbolizes the relationship between a brother and a sister. It is all about sibling love, fun, and lots of delicious food. Planning a perfect Rakhi lunch might be daunting, especially keeping in mind that it is your time to impress your siblings and family members. But go ahead! Whether it is going to be an elaborate affair or it is just going to be a cosy family lunch, a well-planned menu can always add to the festivity. The key is to get the right balance between tradition and taste so that there is something for everyone on the table. After all, food is central to festivals in India and with a great Rakhi menu; an ordinary lunch could be transformed into an unforgettable feast. Let us discover what makes this Rakhi unforgettable with the perfect Rakhi menu and what dishes can be selected. Let's see how you can decide your Rakhi menu.
Rakhi Menu
Deciding the perfect Rakhi menu seems like a tedious task, but it really isn't. Start with the taste and preferences of family members. Check whether a sibling simply adores the taste of a dish or a family favourite that everyone looks forward to. Adding a personal touch makes the meal special. Then, consider in-season ingredients during August. Balancing between different mixes and flavouring the fresh produce available enhances not only taste but gives a healthy feel to your meal. Finally, think about the balance of flavours and variety. A good menu must always include spicy, sweet, and tangy items with a mix for everyone of all tastes and different diets needs.
What You Can Include in Your Rakhi Food Menu
Starters
Start with light and appetizing starters. Cover crowd-pleasers like Paneer Tikka or Dahi Ke Kebab. If it's more traditional, Chaat varieties of Aloo Tikki Chaat or Pani Puri will give a tangy touch to start the meal off.
Main Course
The main course is when you can really experiment with a variety of flavours and textures. Add some items for that touch of tradition, like Aloo Poori, Shahi Paneer, Dal Makhani, and Pulao. These evergreen dishes are indulgent and rich, working well during festival celebrations. If your family likes a bit of non-vegetarian fare, Chicken Biryani or Butter Chicken could be excellent inclusions. Have these with Naan or Lachha Paratha to round off the main course.
Side Dishes
Side dishes are the supporting cast that raises the main course to a higher level. Think of adding a refreshing Cucumber Raita or Boondi Raita for cooling the palate. Some simple, flavorful Mixed Vegetable Curry or Aloo Gobi might add some comfort to the meal as well.
Desserts
Rakhi meals are incomplete without a tint of sweetness. Celebrate the festival by enjoying these traditional Indian desserts like Rasmalai, Gulab Jamun, or Kheer. For a modern touch, you might want to consider serving Mango Cheesecake or Chocolate Mousse to finish off with dessert. This will fill not only your sweet tooth but also leave an impressing ending note on your guests.
Beverages
Also, do not forget to add refreshing drinks to complement the meal. A cool glass of Mango Lassi or Masala Chai can complete your Rakhi lunch. Thandai or even a light drink like Mint Lemonade may be an even more festive proposition.