Govardhan Puja: A Full-Spread Of Indian Malai-Based Dishes

In Indian cuisine, there has been a profuse use of malai or milk cream. It doesn't restrict to sweet something. One may find an array of curries and rice-based dishes containing malai. As Govardhan Puja is here, how about preparing an entire course of festive spread with malai-based culinary fares? Wondering why? This festival is associated with Lord Krishna or Kanha Ji, and we all know how fond he was of malai. 

Malai Kofta

Indian vegetarian cuisine is well-known for its Malai Kofta. This dish's literal meaning is malai, which means creamy or buttery, and kofta, which means spicy balls made of paneer and potatoes. The preparation includes deep-fried potato and paneer kofta or dumplings. The tomato-based curry is enhanced with liberal amounts of malai or milk cream, which steals the show. It is ideally served with pulao or an assortment of Indian flatbreads.

Subz Mewa Malai Pulao

Sabz Pulao, Image Source: Shaila'sDastarkhwan@YouTube

A delicious rice dish for vegetarians is called Subz Mewa Malai Pulao. It belongs to the Awadh cuisine. It is a vegetarian Biryani preparation with cream, nuts, saffron, and other ingredients. Awadhi cooks used to prepare vegetarian dishes as though they were non-vegetarian. As a result, every ingredient—including the nuts, cream, and saffron—is carefully considered, eventually preparing a truly exotic dish.

Malai Patta

Perhaps one of the unique dishes made with malai is this one. If you don't have reservations about using spring onion on this day, then go for this unusual preparation. It needs only a handful of ingredients, such as spring onions with onion greens, malai or milk cream, tomato puree, chilli powder and salt for seasoning. The spring onions and greens are cooked with tomatoes and spices and then given a rich texture with cream. 

Methi Matar Malai

Methi Malai Matar, Image Source: cookilicious

Fenugreek leaves, peas (matar), and cream make this mild and creamy north Indian curry. It is famed for its slightly bitter, mildly spicy, and sweet flavours. It is best eaten with rice and jeera and your choices of Indian flatbread, such as roti, chapati, or naan. The methi mutter malai is distinguished by its absence of red chilli powder and turmeric and for its light, creamy colour. The blending of several flavours that do not dominate one another. Thus, avoid experimenting with the ingredient quantities, especially with the methi leaves, since this could dilute the flavour and taste.

Kesar Malai Peda

One of the kids' favourite desserts, it is a delicious treat from North India made with full-cream milk, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. It may also be served as dessert at any festive spread. In place of milk solids or khoya, one can use milk powder. Similarly, avoid using sugar. Choose condensed milk and cream or malai. The cream adds a rich texture to it. It is the ideal sweet to serve on grand occasions and festivals like Govardhan Puja or Krishna Janmashtami.