The holiday season in India is a beautiful amalgamation of traditions, food, and celebrations. While Christmas and New Year have a global appeal, Sankranti (or Makar Sankranti) is uniquely Indian, celebrating the harvest season with delicious, hearty meals. Here’s a guide to crafting festive recipes that combine the spirit of the celebrations with a unique Indian twist, sure to delight your loved ones during these special occasions.

Here are 4 Christmas Recipes you can make with an Indian Twist

Christmas is all about warmth, togetherness, and indulgence, and these recipes perfectly embody the festive spirit. The buttery Gingerbread Cookies with a touch of cardamom offer a nostalgic holiday treat, while Mulled Wine with Indian spices brings a comforting and unique twist to classic celebrations. These dishes bring cheer and festive flavors to your Christmas table!

1. Eggless Plum Cake

This moist, spiced plum cake is a festive treat, especially during Christmas. Its blend of dry fruits, jaggery, and warm spices makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup mixed dry fruits (raisins, cashews, almonds, and cherries)
  2. ½ cup orange juice or rum (for soaking)
  3. 1½ cups all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour
  4. 1 cup jaggery or brown sugar
  5. 1 tsp baking powder
  6. ½ tsp baking soda
  7. 1 tsp cinnamon powder
  8. ½ tsp nutmeg powder
  9. ½ tsp ginger powder (optional)
  10. 1 cup milk
  11. ½ cup vegetable oil
  12. A pinch of salt

Preparation Steps:

  1. Soak Fruits: Chop dry fruits into small pieces and soak them in orange juice or rum for 8-12 hours (overnight). This enhances their flavor.

  2. Prepare Batter: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

  3. Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix jaggery with milk and oil until smooth. Slowly fold in the dry ingredients.

  4. Add Soaked Fruits: Drain the soaked fruits (reserve the liquid if you want a stronger flavor) and coat them lightly in flour to prevent sinking. Mix them into the batter.

  5. Bake: Pour the batter into a greased baking tin lined with parchment paper. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 40-50 minutes in your Prestige Digi-OTG or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

  6. Cool & Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

2. Indian-Spiced Roast Chicken

This dish brings a festive centerpiece to your table, blending the warmth of Indian spices with tender, juicy chicken.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 whole chicken (approximately 1.5 kg, cleaned)
  2. 1 cup thick yogurt
  3. 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  4. 1 tsp turmeric powder
  5. 1 tsp red chili powder
  6. 2 tsp garam masala
  7. 1 tsp coriander powder
  8. 2 tbsp lemon juice
  9. 2 tbsp oil or melted butter
  10. Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

  1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and make small cuts on the surface to allow the marinade to seep in.

  2. Make Marinade: In a bowl, mix yogurt, spices, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, oil, and salt.

  3. Marinate: Rub the marinade generously over the chicken, making sure it reaches the cuts. Cover and refrigerate overnight for best results.

  4. Roast: Preheat your Prestige Digi-OTG to 200°C (400°F). Place the chicken on a roasting tray and cook for about 1 hour. Baste with oil or butter every 20 minutes for a golden crust.

  5. Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with naan or roasted vegetables.

3. Gingerbread Cookies with Cardamom

These gingerbread cookies offer a delightful twist with the aromatic addition of cardamom, making them perfect for the holiday season. They’re fun to make and delicious to eat, whether you’re decorating them with kids or enjoying them with a hot cup of chai.

Ingredients:

  1. 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  2. 1 tsp baking soda
  3. ½ tsp salt
  4. 1 tsp ground ginger
  5. 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  6. ½ tsp ground cardamom
  7. ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  8. ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
  9. ½ cup brown sugar
  10. ½ cup jaggery (grated or powdered)
  11. 1 egg (or substitute with 3 tbsp yogurt for an eggless version)
  12. ½ cup molasses (or dark honey if molasses is unavailable)

Preparation Steps:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg.

  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and jaggery until creamy and smooth.

  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg (or yogurt) and molasses until fully combined.

  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a dough forms. Cover the dough and refrigerate for 1 hour.

  5. Roll and Cut: Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters to cut into desired shapes.

  6. Bake: Place cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8-10 minutes in your Prestige Digi-OTG or until the edges are slightly golden.

  7. Decorate: Once cool, decorate with icing, sprinkles, or edible silver balls for a festive touch.

4. Mulled Wine with Indian Spices

Mulled wine is a warm, spiced beverage traditionally served during winter holidays. By infusing it with Indian spices, you add a bold and aromatic dimension that pairs perfectly with the festive mood.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 bottle of red wine (medium-bodied like Merlot or Shiraz)
  2. ½ cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
  3. 1 orange (sliced into rounds)
  4. 2-3 tbsp sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
  5. 4 cloves
  6. 3 cardamom pods (lightly crushed)
  7. 1 cinnamon stick
  8. 1 small piece of ginger (sliced)
  9. 1 star anise
  10. A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
  11. ½ cup water

Preparation Steps:

  1. Prepare the Spice Base: In a Prestige Omega Deluxe Granite Sauce Pan, combine the water, sugar, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, star anise, and nutmeg. Simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes until the spices release their aroma.

  2. Add Wine and Orange: Reduce the heat to very low and add the red wine, orange juice, and orange slices. Do not let the wine boil; it should only warm gently to preserve the alcohol content.

  3. Infuse Flavors: Let the mixture warm for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the spices to infuse into the wine. Stir occasionally.

  4. Serve: Strain the mulled wine into mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with an orange slice, a cinnamon stick, or a star anise for presentation.

Sankranti Recipes: Celebrating the Harvest

Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated with rich, traditional dishes that showcase the season’s abundance. Puran Poli symbolizes the sweetness of the festival, while Chakkara Pongal captures the essence of prosperity and gratitude. These recipes, rooted in Indian culture, bring warmth, joy, and a sense of togetherness, making them perfect for the occasion.

1. Tilgul Ladoo

Tilgul ladoos are bite-sized treats made with sesame seeds and jaggery, symbolizing warmth and unity during Sankranti.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup sesame seeds
  2. ¾ cup grated jaggery
  3. 2 tbsp ghee
  4. ½ tsp cardamom powder

Preparation Steps:

  1. Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a Prestige Omega Deluxe Granite Sauce Pan and dry roast sesame seeds until aromatic and lightly golden. Set aside to cool.

  2. Prepare Jaggery Syrup: In the same pan, melt jaggery with 1-2 tbsp of water until it reaches a soft ball consistency (test by dropping a small amount in cold water—it should form a ball).

  3. Mix & Shape: Add toasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder to the melted jaggery. Mix quickly and grease your hands with ghee to shape the mixture into ladoos while warm.

2. Ven Pongal

A savory rice and lentil dish that is hearty, comforting, and a Sankranti favorite.

Ingredients:

  1. 1 cup rice
  2. ½ cup split moong dal (yellow lentils)
  3. 4 cups water
  4. 2 tbsp ghee
  5. 1 tsp black pepper (coarsely crushed)
  6. 1 tsp cumin seeds
  7. A few curry leaves
  8. 2 tbsp cashews (roasted)
  9. Salt to taste

Preparation Steps:

  1. Cook Rice & Dal: Wash rice and dal thoroughly. Cook them together in water until soft and mushy.

  2. Temper Spices: In a Prestige Omega Deluxe Granite Sauce Pan

  3. Heat ghee. Add black pepper, cumin seeds, curry leaves, and roasted cashews. Let them crackle.

  4. Combine & Serve: Pour the tempering over the cooked rice and dal mixture. Mix well, adjust salt, and serve hot with coconut chutney.

3. Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a traditional sweet flatbread filled with a delicious lentil and jaggery mixture, often prepared for festive occasions like Sankranti. It’s soft, flavorful, and best served warm with ghee.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • Water (as needed)
  • 1 cup chana dal (split Bengal gram)
  • 1 cup jaggery (grated)
  • ½ tsp cardamom powde
  • A pinch of nutmeg powder (optional)
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • For the Dough
  • For the Filling (Puran):

Preparation Steps:

  • In a bowl, mix whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, turmeric powder, and a pinch of salt.

  • Add oil or ghee and mix until crumbly. Gradually add water to form a soft, pliable dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

  • Wash and cook chana dal in the Prestige Svachh Pressure Cooker with enough water until it is soft but not mushy (2–3 whistles). Drain any excess water and mash the dal lightly.

  • Heat a pan and add the cooked dal, jaggery, and ghee. Cook on medium heat until the mixture thickens and comes together into a non-sticky consistency.

  • Add cardamom powder and nutmeg powder (if using). Let the filling cool completely.

  • Divide the dough and filling into equal-sized portions.

  • Roll out a portion of dough into a small circle, place the filling in the center, and bring the edges together to seal.

  • Flatten and gently roll it into a thin disc, ensuring the filling doesn’t spill out.

  • Heat the Prestige Dura Cast Iron Tawa and cook the rolled poli on medium heat. Apply ghee and flip until golden spots appear on both sides.

  • Serve warm with a dollop of ghee.

  • Make the Dough:

  • Prepare the Filling:

  • Assemble the Puran Poli:

  • Cook the Poli:

4. Chakkara Pongal (Sweet Pongal)

Chakkara Pongal is a sweet, creamy dish made with rice, moong dal, and jaggery, flavored with ghee, cardamom, and dry fruits. It's a Sankranti staple symbolizing abundance and prosperity.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup raw rice
  • ½ cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
  • 1½ cups jaggery (grated)
  • 4 cups water
  • ½ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
  • 4 tbsp ghee
  • 2 tbsp cashews
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • ½ tsp cardamom powder
  • 1-2 cloves (optional)
  • A pinch of edible camphor (optional)

Preparation Steps:

  • Cook Rice and Dal: Wash rice and moong dal thoroughly. Dry roast the moong dal lightly for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

  • Combine the rice, dal, and water in a Prestige Svachh Pressure Cooker. Cook for 3–4 whistles until soft and mushy, then mash lightly with a spoon. Alternatively, you can use the Prestige PIC 31.0 V4 Induction Cooktop (2000 W) with its Automatic Whistle Counter and Auto Pressure Cook Mode for a worry free cooking experience.

  • Prepare Jaggery Syrup: In a pan, dissolve jaggery in ½ cup water and simmer until slightly thickened. Strain to remove impurities and set aside.

  • Combine and Flavor: Add the jaggery syrup to the cooked rice and dal mixture. Mix well and simmer on low heat, adding milk for a richer texture. Stir in cardamom powder, cloves, and a pinch of edible camphor (if using).

  • Temper and Garnish: Heat ghee in a small pan. Fry cashews and raisins until golden and aromatic. Add them to the pongal. Stir everything well, ensuring a creamy consistency.

  • Serve: Serve Chakkara Pongal warm, garnished with extra ghee and a few nuts on top.

New Year Recipes for an Indian Feast

These recipes are perfect for New Year’s celebrations as they bring together indulgent flavors, festive charm, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Whether it’s the smoky richness of Tandoori Paneer Skewers, the fragrant layers of Biryani, the comforting sweetness of Gajar Ka Halwa, or the refreshing twist of a Masala Chai Mocktail, each dish adds a unique touch to your holiday table, making it a memorable start to the year!

Tandoori Paneer Skewers

A crowd-pleaser, these tandoori paneer skewers are flavorful and smoky, perfect for festive gatherings or as an appetizer.

Ingredients:

  • 200 g paneer (cut into 1-inch cubes)

  • 1 cup mixed bell peppers (cut into chunks)

  • 1 onion (cut into chunks)

  • 1 cup thick yogurt

  • 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste

  • 1 tsp red chili powder

  • ½ tsp turmeric powder

  • 1 tsp cumin powder

  • 1 tsp coriander powder

  • ½ tsp garam masala

  • ½ tsp chaat masala

  • 1 tbsp mustard oil

  • 1 tsp lemon juice

  • Salt (to taste)

  • Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)

Preparation Steps:

  • Marinate Paneer and Vegetables: In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, all the spices, mustard oil, lemon juice, and salt to form a smooth marinade.
    Add the paneer cubes, bell peppers, and onion chunks. Coat everything evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers, alternating between paneer, peppers, and onions.
  • Cook: Grill the skewers on a grill pan, tandoor, or in a Prestige Digi-OTG at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking.
    Serve hot with mint chutney and lemon wedges.

Chicken or Veg Biryani

This fragrant and flavorful biryani is a classic main course that steals the show at celebrations.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 500 g chicken (for veg, use mixed vegetables like carrots, beans, peas)
  • 2 onions (sliced)
  • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2-3 green chilies (slit)
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 2 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tsp biryani masala
  • ½ tsp garam masala
  • A handful of mint and coriander leaves (chopped)
  • 1 cup fried onions (optional)
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • Whole spices (1 bay leaf, 3-4 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2-3 cardamoms)

Preparation Steps:

  • Prepare Rice: Rinse and soak the rice for 30 minutes. Boil with whole spices and salt until 80% cooked. Drain and set aside.

  • Cook Chicken or Veggies: Heat ghee in a Prestige Omega Deluxe Granite Sauce Pan. Sauté onions until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and tomatoes. Cook until soft.

  • Add chicken or vegetables, turmeric, red chili powder, biryani masala, and salt. Cook until chicken is tender or veggies are soft.

  • Layer the Biryani: In a large pot, layer half the cooked rice, followed by the chicken/veggie mixture, mint, coriander, and fried onions. Repeat the layers.
    Drizzle some ghee and cover with a tight lid. Cook on low heat (dum) for 20-25 minutes.

  • Serve: Serve hot with raita and salad.

Gajar Ka Halwa

A rich and indulgent dessert made with carrots, milk, and ghee, this is a festive favorite in Indian households.

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg red carrots (grated)
  • 1 liter full-fat milk
  • 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup ghee
  • ½ cup khoya (optional, for richness)
  • ¼ tsp cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios)
  • 1 tbsp raisins

Preparation Steps:

  • Cook Carrots in Milk: In a large Prestige Omega Deluxe Granite Sauce Pan, cook grated carrots in milk on medium heat, stirring occasionally until the milk is absorbed.
  • Add Sugar and Ghee: Add sugar and ghee. Cook until the halwa thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
  • Enhance Flavour: Stir in cardamom powder, khoya (if using), and half the nuts. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Garnish: Garnish with remaining nuts and raisins. Serve warm.

Masala Chai Mocktail

This innovative drink combines the comforting flavors of masala chai with the refreshing feel of a mocktail, perfect for any festive gathering.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup strong brewed masala chai (made with tea leaves, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon)
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 tbsp honey or sugar syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 cup soda water or sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slices and mint leaves (for garnish)

Preparation Steps:

  • Brew Masala Chai: Brew tea with water, tea leaves, spices in a PRESTIGE ELECTRIC KETTLE SMART-1.7 (ginger, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon), and a bit of sugar. Let it cool completely.

  • Mix Mocktail: In a shaker or glass, combine the cooled chai, orange juice, lime juice, and honey. Mix well.

  • Add Soda and Garnish: Pour into a glass filled with ice cubes. Top with soda water and gently stir. Garnish with orange slices and mint leaves.

Kitchen Appliances You Can Have For All These 3 Festivals

To prepare the festive recipes mentioned earlier, TTK Prestige offers a range of kitchen appliances that can enhance your cooking experience. Here are the top five appliances to consider:

Pressure Cooker

Ideal for cooking rice and lentils efficiently, a pressure cooker is essential for dishes like Biryani and Chakkara Pongal. Prestige pressure cookers are known for their safety features and durability.

Non-Stick Cookware Set

A versatile set that includes a tawa, frying pan, and kadai, perfect for preparing items like Puran Poli and Tandoori Paneer Skewers. The non-stick surface ensures minimal oil usage and easy cleaning.

Oven Toaster Griller (OTG)

An OTG is essential for baking and grilling, making it suitable for recipes like Gingerbread Cookies and Tandoori Paneer Skewers. Prestige OTGs offer multiple functions, including baking, grilling, and toasting.

Mixer Grinder

A robust mixer grinder is indispensable for preparing spice mixes, batters, and purees required in various recipes. Prestige mixer grinders come with multiple jars and speed settings for versatility.

Electric Kettle

Quickly boiling water for beverages like Masala Chai Mocktail becomes convenient with an electric kettle. Prestige electric kettles are designed for safety and speed.

These appliances not only assist in preparing festive dishes but also add efficiency and convenience to your daily cooking routines.

Tips for a Memorable Festive Feast

  • Mix Traditions: Blend traditional recipes with modern twists to cater to all preferences.

  • Make It Interactive: Set up DIY food stations for dishes like skewers or biryani to engage guests.

  • Add Seasonal Touches: Use seasonal ingredients like jaggery, sesame seeds, and carrots for authentic flavors.

The festive season is not just about food but also about the joy of cooking together and sharing meals. With these recipes, your Christmas, Sankranti, and New Year celebrations will be filled with warmth, flavor, and memories to cherish.

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