Independence Day celebrations at home usually involve cooking dishes that feature saffron, white, and green layers. Using fresh ingredients like spinach, carrots, paneer, and rice makes it simple to construct a festive menu without resorting to artificial food dyes. A sturdy kadai helps prepare these layered dishes gently so the distinct shades stay sharp and clean when served.
A steamed savoury cake prepared with three distinct batters. The green layer uses fresh spinach purée, the white layer uses plain fermented batter, and the orange top uses carrot purée mixed with red chilli paste.
Soft rice cakes where one batch of batter is blended with mint and coriander, another is left plain, and the third is mixed with tomato paste before steaming.
Firm paneer cubes marinated in three separate bowls. One uses mint chutney, the second uses thick unflavoured yoghurt with garlic, and the third uses roasted red chilli and turmeric.
Basmati rice divided into three portions after cooking. One part is tossed in spinach purée, one is left plain, and the third is stir-fried with tomato purée and saffron milk before being layered in a bowl.
A rich rice pudding served in clear glass cups. A layer of pistachio paste forms the green base, classic cardamom rice kheer sits in the middle, and saffron-infused milk forms the orange top.