Festivals and food go along hand-in-hand to make a good memory, isn’t it? After all, festivals are meant for indulgence, quality time with family, good-looking outfits (be it Halloween or our very own Durga Puja), and a celebratory meal to enjoy with our near and dear ones. Aren’t these the basic requirements for a celebration?
Navratri- a celebration of the victory of good over evil, is also a celebration of the arrival of Ultimate power “Shakti” on earth for 9 days, in the form of Goddess Durga. Some people believe in feasting while others believe in fasting for all nine days or partial fasting. I personally observe fast for all nine days and follow fruit-based diet (also known as ‘falahaar’), but yes I do cook celebratory meal and sweets for my hubby and kids, for that is the least I can do to get the festive feel going of Navratri, a festival that is so very dear to us, being so far away home.
Lately, I realized that I haven’t shared any meal platter, and have got many requests to share one. Thanks to all those who took the time to message me personally and motivate me to prepare this meal. I bring to you my first lunch platter or rather should say mini lunch platter that I cooked over the weekends. It is lots of hard work, after all, fasting, everyday chores, cooking a celebratory meal all by yourself, but is totally worth seeing the satisfaction and happiness on the faces of your loved ones. And yes it is vegetarian platter since we turn vegetarian during puja (Navratri). The platter has gobhi ki sabzi, palak paneer (for paneer is must in any vegetarian meal especially if you have two picky eaters at home), pomegranate raita, paratha, homemade grated-mango pickle, and radish onion salad. Also, there was panjiri for dessert but I forgot to put in the frame as it was for Prasad. That's for another time.
