Although there isn’t one specific recipe to create a grazing board, it is only a matter of gathering things you would normally find yourself snacking on and putting them together in a beautiful arrangement. Even the thought of having a snack is a feeling that is highly satisfying to have on its own, let alone a whole array of them in one place, for you to munch on. Celebrations like Holi arrive as an opportunity to enjoy this style of eating where you don’t have to sit down to get some food, rather you keep taking small bites as you get around, engulfed in gulaal.
Grazing boards are pretty simple because they’re a reflection of your personal preferences and tastes you would enjoy. This means that while you can go down the predictable route and make a meat and cheese board, by all means, but it can be tweaked to suit your dietary preferences if you happen to be vegetarian or vegan. Using this as context to the upcoming occasion, this delicious desi grazing board is an ode to food that is fresh, simple but delicious. Pairing mathri, pakode or puri with a variety of chutneys, chikki, boiled or roasted peanuts, citrus fruits, salads and even flavoured butters. Keeping a balance between healthy as well as rich food is a great way to ensure that both, adults and children are having a great time. Here’s a few things you can make to add to yours.
Recipe:
Image Credits: Live Laugh Mirch
Ingredients [For pineapple chaat]
- 6 slices pineapple, quartered
- 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon jeera powder
- 1 pinch cinnamon powder
- ½ teaspoon black salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of half a lemon
- Oil as necessary
Method
- Add the spice powders to a mixing bowl and combine well before adding the lemon juice and making a diluted paste.
- Throw in the pineapple slices and coat them with the spice mixture. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a couple of teaspoons of oil on a hot tawa and roast the pineapple slices for a minute on each side, on a high flame. Add to a bowl and serve warm.
Ingredients [For flavoured butter]
- ½ cup cultured butter
- 2 green chillies
- 5 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander
- Salt to taste
Method
- Crush the chillies, garlic and coriander to a coarse paste using a mortar and pestle. Add some salt to season and mix well.
- Add the green paste to room temperature butter and mix together. Check for seasoning and adjust, if necessary.
- Serve with popcorn, khakhra or methi theplas.
Ingredients [For sweet potato chaat]
- 2-3 sweet potatoes, boiled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
- 1 tablespoon green chutney
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped coriander
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon chaat masala
- 1 teaspoon black salt
Method
Toss together all the ingredients right before it is ready to serve and transfer to a serving bowl to place on the board.