Festival Recipes

Festival Recipes here are the options you can consume while following a healthy diet during festivals.

The festive season is the celebratory time for all when we like to enjoy ourselves and indulge in yummy and delicious food items be it savory or sweet.

 

 

It is the best time for food lovers. Be it any festival, Holi, Diwali, Eid, Teej, Ganesha Chaturthi, Navratri, or Christmas,

We all like to lay back and spend some quality time with our friends and family

and most importantly we love to prepare new recipes and try new dishes guilt-free.

 

 

Festivals can be a period when you might indulge in eating lots of varieties of food items.

They can be too sweet or salty or fried and oily foods. When we see many options in front of us,

we eventually end up adding more to our plate and then eating more than we were supposed to.

 

 

Many of us might also overeat during festivals and then go on to a guilt trip of gaining weight, high cholesterol, or deranged lipid profile,

Or blood sugar levels. So, in order to enjoy festival time to its fullest, let’s choose healthy but equally tasty recipes.

 

 

We have prepared a variety of healthy festivity recipes for you so that you don’t have to worry about extra calories, or sugar, or fat.

content of the dish, and you can just go ahead savoring the food without any concerns regarding gaining weight.

 

 

Even the simple changes in a dish can add up the nutrition without actually doing much effort.

We want you to enjoy your festivals and have fun while pampering yourself with good, healthy, and mouth-watering food.

How to make Paneer Dhokla

🧀🍥 Paneer Dhokla (Steamed, Soft & Healing-Friendly)

✅ Ideal for: Light breakfast, evening snack, or mini-meal


🥄 Ingredients:

For the dhokla base:

  • 1/2 cup besan (gram flour)
  • 2 tbsp crumbled paneer (fresh, soft, unsalted)
  • 1/4 cup curd (yogurt) – slightly sour is fine
  • 1/4 cup water (adjust as needed)
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp eno fruit salt (or 1/4 tsp baking soda)

Optional tempering (skip if avoiding oil):

  • 1 tsp oil or ghee
  • 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
  • 5–6 curry leaves
  • 1 tsp chopped coriander (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Prepare the batter:

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together besan, curd, water, turmeric, and salt.
  • Add the crumbled paneer and mix well. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick — like idli batter.
  • Rest for 10 minutes (optional for fluffiness).

2. Add leavening:

  • Just before steaming, add Eno fruit salt and mix gently. The batter will rise immediately.

3. Steam:

  • Pour the batter into a greased dhokla plate or a small thali.
  • Steam for 12–15 minutes on medium heat.
  • Check with a toothpick — it should come out clean.

4. Cool and cut:

  • Let it cool for a few minutes, then cut into squares or diamonds.

5. Tempering (optional):

  • Heat 1 tsp oil or ghee. Add mustard seeds, let them splutter.
  • Add curry leaves, then pour this tempering over the dhokla.
  • Garnish with coriander if you like.

🩺 Why It’s Great for Recovery:

  • Steamed, not fried
  • Paneer adds protein for healing
  • Curd and besan aid digestion
  • Soft texture — easy to chew and digest
  • No chili, minimal oil — gut-friendly

✅ Variations:

  • Add grated carrots or zucchini to the batter for extra nutrients
  • Skip tempering and serve plain with mint curd chutney (no chili)
  • Use low-fat paneer or even mashed tofu if preferred

How to make Sabudana Dosa

🌿 Sabudana Dosa Recipe (Perfect for Vrat/Fasting)

Crispy, light, and nutritious dosa made with sabudana, peanuts, and makhana — great for Navratri or any fasting days.


Ingredients:

For the Dosa Batter:

  • 1 cup sabudana (sago pearls)
  • ½ cup peanuts
  • ¼ cup makhana
  • ½ tsp sendha namak (rock salt/vrat salt)
  • ½ tbsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
  • 1-2 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped
  • 2 boiled potatoes, mashed
  • 2 tbsp curd/yogurt (optional, for slight tang)
  • Water – as needed

For the Dosa Topping (optional):

  • 2 tbsp of the leftover peanut + makhana powder

🥣 Instructions:

Step 1: Roast & Prepare Sabudana Powder

  1. In a dry pan, roast 1 cup sabudana on medium flame for 3–4 minutes.
  2. Roast until it starts to pop slightly or you hear crackling sounds.
  3. Let it cool completely, then grind into a fine powder using a mixer/grinder. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Peanut-Makhana Powder

  1. In the same pan, dry roast ½ cup peanuts and ¼ cup makhana on medium flame until golden and aromatic.
  2. Let them cool, then remove peanut skins.
  3. Grind both into a fine powder. Divide into two parts:
    • Half will go into the batter.
    • Half will be used for chutney or as a topping.

Step 3: Prepare Potato Mixture

  1. Mash 2 boiled potatoes, put them in a mixer jar.
  2. Add 1 cup water and blend into a smooth paste.

Step 4: Make the Dosa Batter

  1. In a large bowl, combine:
    • Ground sabudana powder
    • Half of the peanut-makhana powder
    • Mashed potato paste
    • ½ tsp sendha namak
    • ½ tbsp black pepper powder
    • Finely chopped ginger, green chilies, and coriander
    • 2 tbsp curd (optional)
  2. Gradually add water to make a smooth, flowing batter like regular dosa batter.
  3. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes if time allows.

🔥 Cooking the Dosa

  1. Heat a non-stick dosa pan or tawa on medium heat.
  2. Sprinkle some water to check heat; wipe clean.
  3. Pour a ladleful of batter and spread evenly – don’t make it too thick.
  4. Optionally, sprinkle some of the leftover peanut-makhana powder on top for crunch.
  5. Cook on medium flame for 3–4 minutes or until the bottom is golden and edges lift.
  6. No need to flip. Remove and serve hot.

🥥 Coconut-Peanut Chutney

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup fresh grated coconut
  • 2 tbsp roasted peanuts and Makhana Powder
  • 1 green chili
  • Small piece of ginger
  • Sendha namak – to taste
  • Few curry leaves (optional)
  • Water – as needed

Method:

  1. Blend all ingredients together into a smooth chutney.
  2. Adjust water to get your desired consistency.
  3. For tadka (optional during non-fasting): Heat ghee, add cumin, curry leaves, and pour over chutney.

Tips:

  • The dosa may take a little longer to cook than regular dosa. Be patient and keep the flame medium.
  • If batter thickens over time, add a little more water.
  • You can skip curd for a completely vegan/strict vrat version.

Kuttu Cheela

🌿 Healthy Kuttu Cheela Recipe for Vrat

📝 Ingredients:

(Serves 2–3)

  • Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) – 1 cup
  • Sendha namak (rock salt) – ½ tsp (as per taste)
  • Green chili (finely chopped) – 1 (optional)
  • Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) – 2 tbsp
  • Grated boiled potato – 1 small (optional for binding and softness)
  • Cumin seeds (jeera) – ½ tsp
  • Water – as needed to make a batter
  • Ghee or vrat-friendly oil – for cooking

✅ Optional Add-ins (if allowed in your vrat):

  • Grated lauki (bottle gourd)
  • Crushed peanuts or peanut flour (adds protein)
  • Grated ginger

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Batter:
    • In a mixing bowl, combine kuttu atta, sendha namak, cumin seeds, green chili, grated potato, and coriander leaves.
    • Slowly add water to make a smooth, pourable batter (like dosa batter). Avoid lumps.
  2. Heat the Tawa:
    • Heat a non-stick or iron tawa and lightly grease it with ghee or oil.
  3. Cook the Cheela:
    • Pour a ladle of batter and spread gently in a circular motion.
    • Cook on medium heat. Drizzle ghee/oil around the edges.
    • Flip after 2–3 minutes or when the bottom is golden brown.
    • Cook the other side until crisp and cooked through.
  4. Serve Hot:
    • Serve with vrat chutney like:
      • Coconut chutney (without mustard seeds)
      • Mint-peanut chutney
      • Plain curd (dahi)

💡 Tips:

  • Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes for better texture.
  • Add grated veggies (like lauki) for fiber and moisture.
  • Make small cheelas if the batter is delicate.

Singhara Chaat

🥗 Healthy Singhara Chaat (Falahari/Vrat Special)

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh Singhara (water chestnuts) – peeled and chopped
    (or you can use boiled singhara if raw is not available)
  • 1 boiled potato – cubed (optional)
  • ½ cucumber – peeled and finely chopped
  • 1 small tomato – deseeded and chopped (optional if allowed during vrat)
  • 1 small green chili – finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp roasted peanuts – crushed (optional crunch)
  • 1 tsp sendha namak (rock salt)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper powder
  • 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional but adds color and sweetness)
  • Few mint or coriander leaves – chopped (if allowed)

🥣 Instructions:

  1. Prep the Singhara:
    • If using raw singhara, peel and chop into small cubes.
    • If using boiled ones, boil for 5–7 minutes, then cool and chop.
  2. Mix the Chaat:
    • In a bowl, combine singhara, cucumber, tomato (if using), and boiled potato.
    • Add crushed peanuts, green chili, and pomegranate seeds.
  3. Season & Toss:
    • Sprinkle sendha namak, black pepper, and lemon juice.
    • Toss everything well.
  4. Garnish:
    • Add chopped mint or coriander leaves for freshness.
  5. Serve Immediately:
    • Best enjoyed fresh as a light meal or evening snack during Navratri.

🌟 Why It’s Healthy:

  • Singhara is low in calories and high in fiber.
  • Hydrating and cooling for the body.
  • Great balance of carbs (potato), protein (peanuts), and micronutrients.

Navratri Dhokla

🌼 Healthy Navratri Dhokla Recipe (Fasting/Vrat-Friendly)

Ingredients:

For the Batter:

  • 1 cup Samak Rice (Barnyard Millet) – washed and soaked for 2–3 hours
  • 2 tbsp Sabudana (Tapioca pearls) – soaked for 2–3 hours
  • ½ cup Curd (Dahi) – preferably fresh, not sour
  • 1 tsp Sendha Namak (rock salt)
  • 1 green chili (optional, for those who eat during fasting)
  • ½ inch ginger – grated
  • 1 tsp lemon juice or ½ tsp fruit salt (Eno)

For Tempering:

  • 1 tbsp Ghee or peanut oil (vrat-safe)
  • 1 tsp Cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 2 green chilies – slit (optional)
  • A few curry leaves (optional if allowed in your fasting tradition)

Garnish:

  • Fresh coriander leaves (if allowed)
  • Grated coconut (optional)

🥣 How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Batter:

  • Drain soaked samak rice and sabudana.
  • Grind them into a smooth paste using curd and a little water.
  • Transfer to a bowl, add ginger, green chili paste (optional), sendha namak, and lemon juice.
  • Let the batter rest for 15–20 mins for slight fermentation.
  • Just before steaming, add fruit salt (Eno). Mix gently in one direction until the batter turns light and frothy.

2. Steam the Dhokla:

  • Grease a dhokla plate or any shallow steaming dish.
  • Pour the batter immediately into the greased plate.
  • Steam for 15–20 minutes on medium heat or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  • Let it cool slightly before cutting into pieces.

3. Tempering (Tadka):

  • Heat ghee or oil in a small pan.
  • Add cumin seeds, green chilies, and curry leaves.
  • Pour the tempering over the cut dhokla pieces.

4. Garnish & Serve:

  • Sprinkle fresh coriander or coconut if desired.
  • Serve warm with vrat-friendly chutney (like coconut or peanut chutney).

💡 Tips:

  • You can replace samak rice with rajgira flour or kuttu flour for variation.
  • Avoid hing, mustard seeds, or turmeric during fasting if not allowed.
  • Great for breakfast, snacks, or even light dinner during Navratri.

🙏 Vrat Special Makhana Sabji (Phool Makhana Curry)

⏱️ Ready in: 20–25 mins

🍽️ Serves: 2

🌿 Satvik | No onion, no garlic | Fasting-Approved


🧺 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup phool makhana (fox nuts)
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed (optional)
  • 1 medium tomato, pureed (optional, use only if your fasting rules allow)
  • 1/2 cup fresh curd (yogurt) – whisked
  • 1–2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp sendha namak (rock salt) – or to taste
  • 1 tbsp ghee or peanut oil – as per vrat

🍳 Instructions:

  1. Dry roast makhana
    Heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan and dry roast the makhana on low flame for 4–5 minutes until crispy. Set aside.
  2. (Optional) Cook potatoes
    In the same pan, add a little more ghee and sauté cubed potatoes with a pinch of sendha namak. Cover and cook until tender.
  3. Prepare the gravy
    • In the pan, heat 1 tsp ghee.
    • Add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
    • Add ginger and green chili. Sauté briefly.
    • (If using tomato) Add tomato puree and cook till ghee separates.
    • Lower flame and add whisked curd slowly, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
    • Add sendha namak and black pepper.
  4. Combine & cook
    • Add roasted makhana (and cooked potatoes if using) to the gravy.
    • Mix well and simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat until makhana soaks up the flavor.
  5. Garnish & serve
    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (if allowed) and serve hot with kuttu roti, rajgira puri, or samak rice.

📝 Tips:

  • For richer taste, add 1 tbsp of crushed roasted peanuts to the gravy.
  • For creamier texture, add a spoon of grated paneer or a little vrat-approved cream.
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Makhana Sabji

🙏 Vrat Special Makhana Sabji (Phool Makhana Curry)

⏱️ Ready in: 20–25 mins

🍽️ Serves: 2

🌿 Satvik | No onion, no garlic | Fasting-Approved


🧺 Ingredients:

  • 1 cup phool makhana (fox nuts)
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and cubed (optional)
  • 1 medium tomato, pureed (optional, use only if your fasting rules allow)
  • 1/2 cup fresh curd (yogurt) – whisked
  • 1–2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
  • 1/2 tsp sendha namak (rock salt) – or to taste
  • 1 tbsp ghee or peanut oil – as per vrat

🍳 Instructions:

  1. Dry roast makhana
    Heat 1 tsp ghee in a pan and dry roast the makhana on low flame for 4–5 minutes until crispy. Set aside.
  2. (Optional) Cook potatoes
    In the same pan, add a little more ghee and sauté cubed potatoes with a pinch of sendha namak. Cover and cook until tender.
  3. Prepare the gravy
    • In the pan, heat 1 tsp ghee.
    • Add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
    • Add ginger and green chili. Sauté briefly.
    • (If using tomato) Add tomato puree and cook till ghee separates.
    • Lower flame and add whisked curd slowly, stirring continuously to prevent curdling.
    • Add sendha namak and black pepper.
  4. Combine & cook
    • Add roasted makhana (and cooked potatoes if using) to the gravy.
    • Mix well and simmer for 5–7 minutes on low heat until makhana soaks up the flavor.
  5. Garnish & serve
    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves (if allowed) and serve hot with kuttu roti, rajgira puri, or samak rice.

📝 Tips:

  • For richer taste, add 1 tbsp of crushed roasted peanuts to the gravy.
  • For creamier texture, add a spoon of grated paneer or a little vrat-approved cream.

Healthy Snacking Option during Diwali

Diwali is the festival of lights, which is celebrated with grand feasts that brings family and friends.This festival is known as home to many religions, cultures, and traditions..It is the time to celebrate togetherness with oodles of happiness!

When it comes to a big, flashy holiday like Diwali, there is simply no way the celebration can be complete without delicious treats.Diwali snacks, sweetmeats and spiced masalas are the stars of festive Indian spreads

We all crave for sweets and chatapate snacks.

You can enjoy the festival of light with some tasty and healthy snacks. This year, treat yourself to some tasty and hassle-free healthy Diwali snacks However, we need to remember, enjoyment and health go hand-in-hand. Your health and your family’s health is the priority. The question is how to achieve it? So here i am suggesting easy to cook and healthy snack options for your family and friends.

How to Make Poha Tikki-

Ingredients :-

  1. Poha-1 cup
  • Potato boiled peeled and mashed 1 medium-sized
  • Onion, finely chopped
  • 1 small coriander leaves, chopped1/4 cup
  • Green chilli, finely chopped
  • 3-4Ginger, grated1.5 tsp
  • Garam masala1/2 tsp
  • Amchur powder1 tsp
  • Cumin powder, roasted1 tsp
  1. Salt to taste
  1. Oil 1 tbsp

Procedure:

  • Wash poha in water and remove the water and let it soak for a while for 15-20 mins. (If it is thick poha soak in little water, if it is thin poha you can drain water completely and let it soak).
  • Slightly mash the poha with your hands,it is optional.
  • In a large bowl add soaked and mashed poha, boiled peeled and mashed potato, finely chopped onion, green chili and coriander leaves, grated ginger, garam masala, cumin powder, amchur powder and salt and mix everything nicely until it is mixed nicely.
  • Take a big lemon sized portion of the poha mixture and make it into a ball and flatten it to form a tikki.
  • Heat a flat pan and add 1 tbsp oil and spread with a spatula and place the tikkis and fry them over low-medium flame until they are done by flipping it in between to roast on the other side.

Nutritional Value:-(1 cutlet)

Carbs-11.8
Fat-4.7g
Protein-1.0g
calories-93 cal

How to Make Dahi Kebab

Ingredients-

  1. Curd (prefer homemade)        2 cups
  • Paneer (prefer homemade)     1 cup
  • Cashew nuts, finely chopped (optional)          1 tbsp
  • Onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup
  • Ginger paste   1 tsp
  • Green chilies, chopped           2 slits
  • Garam masala 1 tsp
  • Coriander leaves, finely chopped        3 tbsp
  • Salt      as needed
  1. Besan (roasted)          2-3 tbsp
  1. Poha, powdered          1/2 cup
  1. Oil        2 tbsp

Serving Size: 1-2

Procedure:

  • Firstly Add the fresh cold curd. The curd has to be thick and creamy and not watery or thin.
  • In mixing bowl of curd add crumbled paneer, ginger paste, garam masala and salt.
  • Next add onions, cashews, green chilies, coriander leaves and powdered poha.
  • Mix well just to make a non-sticky dough. If the dough is still sticky add more powdered poha.
  • Divide the dough to equal sized balls and flatten them.
  • Then Roll them in roasted besan and set aside for 5-7 minutes.
  • Heat oil in a pan over medium heat or Air fry the roll.
  • Serve hot with green chutney.

Nutritional value for 1 Roll:-

Carbs-15.5 gm
Fat-8.6 gm
Protein-3.4gm
calories-153 cal

How to make Black beans cutlets –

Ingredients –

  1. Black beans, cooked-1 ½ cup
  2. Potato, boiled and cubed-1 medium sized
  3. Coriander  minced-3 tbsp
  4. Carrot, grated-1/2 cup
  5. Salt to taste
  6. Black pepper powderto taste
  7. Oil-2 tbsp
  8. Oats, crushed     1/2 cup

Serving Size:2-3

Procedure:

  • Put beans and vegetables with salt and pepper in a blender.
  • After blending, mix well and divide this mix into four parts, shapes like a cutlet and coat with crushed oats after shaping.
  • Put it in a fridge for thirty minutes.
  • Heat oil over medium heat. Pan fries the cutlets on both sides.

Nutritional Value:-

Carbs-9.5gm
Fat-5.3 gm
Protein-2.5gm
calories-96 cal

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How To Make A Nutritious And Super Healthy Diwali Mithai (Barfi)

To Make A Nutritious And Super Healthy Diwali Mithai (Barfi) is a delicious and Indian homemade dessert made from roasted gram flour, jaggery, dry fruits, and ghee. This recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. It is also a great source of protein, fiber, and iron, thanks to the roasted gram flour. However, people with nut allergies should avoid this dish.

Two pieces of homemade Indian mithai (dessert) rolled gram flour, Barfi. Made of milk, Desi Ghee, jaggery, and dry fruits. 

Ingredients: –

  • 2 cups roasted gram flour (besan): 250gms
  • Cashew nut, 20 pieces
  • Almond nut: 15-20 pieces
  • Roasted Poha, 50 grams
  • 1 cup grated jaggery (gur): 150gms
  • 1/2 cup ghee: 120 ml
  • 1/2 cup milk: 120 ml
  • 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder: 2.5 grams

Preparation:-

1. In a mixer blender, collect all required ingredients: roasted gram, roasted cashew, almonds, and poha. 

2: Add some jaggery powder and green cardamom, and give it a blend to get a superfine texture.

3: Now transfer the mixer to a bowl and add some hot milk slowly to make a dough out if it

4: Pour the mixture into a greased square tray or any other desired mold. Smooth the surface with a spatula.

5: Sprinkle crushed nuts over the surface of the mixture, press it gently, and leave it till it settles down properly.

6: Allow the mixture to cool and set for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator.

7: Cut the mixture into desired shapes and serve.

Nurtritional value per 100 grams:-

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For more information –https://fitpiq.com/how-to-make-lauki-paneer-kofta-curry/https://fitpiq.com/how-to-prepare-authentic-taste-and-easy-amritsari-paneer-bhurji/

How to make Tasty Cabbage Sprouts Rolls

This is a very healthy recipe and easy to cook. This recipe is rich in antioxidants,fiber, and Mineral vitamins.

This Is rich in fiber and mineral. Cabbage contain compounds like quercetin and kaemferol that can inhibit enzymes involved in inflammation

1.Cabbage leaves- 10 large leaves

Ingredients-

2.Green moong sprouts-1 cup

3.Garlic, chopped 4-5 cloves

4.Onion, chopped-1 medium sized

5.Vegetables (colored bell peppers, carrots, cabbage, green onions), chopped-1 cup

6.Tomato Garlic Chutney-1 tsp

7. Salt -to taste

8. Black pepper -to taste

9.Oil -1 tbsp

10.Chili powder – To taste

Method –

  • Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water until they are slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
  • Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat.
  • Sauté the garlic and onion until they are translucent.
  • Add the vegetables and cook until they start to soften.
  • Add the sprouted green moong and sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the tomato garlic chutney (or tomato sauce), chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the mixture cool.
  • Take a cabbage leaf and place a small amount of filling in the center.
  • Roll up the leaf to enclose the filling, tucking in the sides as you roll.
  • You can either steam the rolls in a steamer for about 15-20 minutes or sauté them lightly in a little oil until they are golden and crispy.
  • Serve hot

Nutritional Value:-

Carbs-34.8 gm
Fat-8.9 gm
Protein-6.7gm
calories-233 cal

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