Basant Panchami marks the arrival of spring and is celebrated with joy, prayers, and food in beautiful shades of yellow. Dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, this festival symbolizes knowledge, prosperity, and new beginnings, and the meals prepared for the day often reflect these themes.
From simple prasad to festive sweets and savory dishes, these Basant Panchami recipes bring warmth, color, and tradition to the celebration.
Sweet Recipes
Zarda Sweet Rice (Meethe Chawal)
Meethe Chawal, or Zarda Rice, is a sweet, rich saffron rice adorned with nuts and raisins. This aromatic, sweet, saffron-flavored rice is a royal dessert made on special occasions and festivals. This easy recipe can be made with a few ingredients in one pot in less than 30 minutes!
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Besan Barfi Recipe
Besan Barfi, also called Besan ki Chakki, is a delicious, fudgy, and melt-in-mouth traditional delight. Besan ki Burfi is a authentic sweet prepared with just a few basic ingredients – gram flour, ghee, sugar, flavored with cardamom and saffron.
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Mango Coconut Almond Ladoo
Mango Coconut Almond Ladoo is an easy Indian sweet made with just four main ingredients – almond flour, desiccated coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and mango puree. This well-tested recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and is easier than traditional ladoos.
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Easy Mango Shrikhand (Amrakhand)
Mango Shrikhand, also called Amrakhand, is a refreshing & sweet Indian dessert, that is a perfect summer treat. Creamy yogurt, mango pulp, and sugar are blended together and garnished with saffron and cardamom to make this luscious Mango Shrikhand.
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Besan Halwa
Made with simple ingredients of gram flour, ghee, sugar, this rich and aromatic cardamom infused Besan Halwa is a quick dessert that can be made ready within minutes.
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Badam Milk (Indian Saffron Almond Milk)
Badam Milk is a delightful Indian drink made with ground almonds, cardamom powder, and saffron. This aromatic & flavorful Badam Doodh can be served cold in the summer or hot in the winter.
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Besan Ladoo (Easy 4-ingredient Recipe)
Besan Ladoo is the most popular Indian sweet to make during the festive season. You just need a few ingredients, such as gram flour, ghee, and sugar, to make these melt-in-the-mouth dessert balls. Make this decadent sweet with this easy, fail-proof recipe!
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Orange Semolina Cake
Let me introduce you to this Orange semolina cake (rava cake) – so easy to make and so delicious. It is fluffy and moist with a gorgeous orange flavor. This is an egg-free cake perfect for vegetarians.
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Savory Recipes
Saffron Rice with Nuts and Raisins
A classic Saffron Rice Pilaf with Nuts and raisins recipe. Made in one pot, it comes together in under 30 minutes. Make it on the stovetop or in the instant pot; it's weeknight-friendly and great for guests!
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Instant Pot Khichdi
Moong Dal Khichdi, or Kitchari is a simple dish made with rice and lentils, tempered in ghee with cumin seeds and turmeric. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and is a perfect comfort meal for weeknights or when someone is under the weather!
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Khaman Dhokla Recipe
Soft and fluffy Khaman Dhokla made in the Instant Pot and stovetop. These delicious steamed savory chickpea flour cakes are a popular Gujarati delicacy, perfect to enjoy for breakfast or snack!
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Besan Chilla (Savory Gram Flour Pancakes)
Besan Chilla is a family favorite, known for its characteristic earthy flavor, which is provided by besan/ gram flour and simple Indian spices and herbs, including chilies and onions. These savory gram-flour pancakes are nutritious and vegan! Perfect to enjoy with your favorite pickle or chutney!
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Aloo Pakora
Aloo Pakora is a savory delight! These crispy potato fritters are made with sliced potatoes dipped in an earthy, spiced gram flour batter and fried until golden. They taste best when they're served warm and fresh!
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Kadhi Pakora
The perfect, quintessential comfort food from North India is Punjabi kadhi pakora. This is an authentic and traditional recipe in which crispy pakoras (onion-gram flour fritters) are dipped in a tangy and thick yogurt sauce (kadhi).
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Makki ki Roti (Punjabi Cornmeal Flatbread)
Makki ki Roti is a gluten-free flatbread made with yellow cornmeal or maize flour. It is popularly served in North India, along with Sarson ka Saag (mustard greens curry). Learn how to make makki ki roti along with all the tips and tricks with this easy recipe.
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Gujarati Kadhi
This Gujarati Kadhi is a delectable thin yogurt-based meal with a sweet and sour flavor that will blow your mind. It's quick, fuss-free, and comforting. This traditional kadhi can be served as a soup or with rice.
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Potato Masala – Instant Pot & Stovetop
This delicious Potato Masala is so easy to make as a one-pot dish in the instant pot or stovetop. These vegan potatoes can be used as a stuffing for the South Indian favorite, Masala Dosa, or as the popular Maharashtrian Batata Bhaji to pair with poori. Also, great to add to sandwiches or wraps!
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Basant Panchami is a time to welcome spring, celebrate knowledge, and enjoy the simple joy of food shared with family and friends. These traditional recipes, inspired by the vibrant color yellow, add warmth and meaning to the celebration. May this Basant Panchami bring positivity, learning, and happiness to your home.
