Dahi Puri To Boondi Raita: 7 Festive Indian Yoghurt-Based Dishes For Holiday Celebrations

As the holiday season approaches, the culinary landscape is filled with the warm and inviting aroma of festive dishes. In the realm of Indian cuisine, yoghurt takes centre stage, adding a creamy and tangy element to a variety of festive delights.

Also read 7 Savory Indian Dahi Dishes That Celebrate The Power Of Yoghurt

1. Boondi Raita: Festive Yoghurt Dip

Boondi raita is a classic Indian side dish that adds a refreshing contrast to rich and spicy holiday meals. Tiny, crispy chickpea flour balls, known as boondi, are mixed with creamy yoghurt and seasoned with roasted cumin, coriander, and a pinch of red chilli powder. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for a burst of color. This cooling and flavorful raita complements the festive spread, offering a delightful balance to the hearty flavours of holiday dishes.

2. Dahi Puri: Yoghurt-Filled Holiday Bites

Dahi puri, also known as dahi batata puri, is a festive street food favourite that can easily be adapted for holiday gatherings. These bite-sized delights consist of small, hollow puris filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind chutney.

The crowning glory is a generous dollop of thick yoghurt and a sprinkle of chaat masala. Serve these delightful puris as a festive appetiser, allowing guests to experience the explosion of flavours with each crunchy bite.

3. Shrikhand: Sweet Saffron-infused Yoghurt Dessert

Shrikhand is a luscious dessert made by straining yoghurt to achieve a velvety texture, then sweetening it with sugar and infusing it with saffron and cardamom. This festive treat is often garnished with slivered almonds and pistachios, offering a delightful crunch. Shrikhand is a must-have for holiday celebrations, bringing a touch of sweetness and elegance to the dessert table.

4. Yoghurt Kebabs: Festive Appetiser Delight

Yoghurt-based kebabs are a unique and festive twist on the traditional meat-based kebabs. Hung curd, mixed with aromatic spices, herbs, and besan (gram flour), is shaped into kebabs and grilled to perfection. The result is a melt-in-your-mouth texture with a burst of flavours. Serve these yoghurt kebabs with mint chutney for a delightful appetiser that will impress your holiday guests.

5. Dahi Chicken Curry: A Creamy Festive Main Course

Dahi chicken curry is a rich and flavourful main course that combines succulent chicken with a creamy yoghurt-based curry. The yoghurt adds a luxurious texture and a tangy undertone to the dish. Infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, this curry is perfect for festive meals, serving as a hearty centrepiece that pairs well with naan or rice.

6. Yoghurt Rice (Curd Rice): A Cooling Festive Staple

Yoghurt rice, also known as curd rice, is a beloved South Indian dish that provides a cooling and soothing element to the festive feast. Cooked rice is mixed with yoghurt, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves, and garnished with grated ginger and pomegranate seeds. This dish not only cleanses the palate but also adds a touch of simplicity to the holiday spread, making it a festive staple in many households.

7. Mango Shrikhand Tart: Fruity Festive Indulgence

For a festive dessert that combines the traditional with a fruity twist, try a mango shrikhand tart. A crisp tart shell is filled with luscious mango shrikhand, creating a delightful fusion of textures and flavours. Top it with fresh mango slices or a drizzle of mango puree for a visually appealing and irresistibly delicious holiday treat.

This Yuletide season, let the richness of Indian yoghurt-based dishes take centre stage at your holiday celebrations. From the refreshing boondi raita to the indulgent mango shrikhand tart, these dishes offer a delightful fusion of flavours, textures, and festive tradition.

Incorporate these yoghurt-centric delights into your holiday menu to create a memorable and culturally inspired culinary experience that will leave your guests savouring the joy of the season. Yoghurt is not just a celebration of flavours but a journey into the heart of Indian festive cuisine, bringing warmth, joy, and a touch of spice to your holiday table.