The evening’s repast commences with Palak Patte Ki Chaat, an appetising northern Indian snack of batter-fried spinach, pomegranate and yoghurt. Crab Coconut Soup follows, a creamy King Crab soup infused with coriander and onion. Crab is a favourite among seafood lovers in India, a meat high in protein, omega-3, vitamins and minerals, and ideal for lowering levels of blood glucose while raising good cholesterol. Lehsuni Salmon Tikka is a flavourful marinated northern Indian dish elevated with Kashmiri chilli, turmeric, mustard oil and garlic; and smoky Tandoori Quail, inspired by the traditional tandoori chicken, is made with turmeric, garlic and yoghurt.
Inspired by the Hindu tradition of sharing mountains of food with the community during Diwali, hearty mains comprise Lamb Chop Nihari, a traditional Indian stew with slow-cooked lamb in a saffron-infused curry sauce that was originally eaten by Nawabs in the Mughal Empire as a breakfast item after morning prayers; Machli Ka Salan, a warming seabass curry from Hyderabad with delicate notes of peanut, sesame and mustard; and Navratan Pulao, aka “Nine Jewels Pulao”, a healthy, fragrant and comforting Basmati rice dish flavoured with saffron, flower essence and whole spices.
This is enjoyed with sides of Beans Poriyal, a typical southern Indian sautée dish made with green beans, spices, curry leaves and coconut; and Punjabi Dal Tadka, an ancient recipe of slow-cooked tomato onion masala that was first served at Chandragupta Maurya’s wedding back in 303 BC. Rounding out the sides are Kuchumba Raita, a cooling savoury condiment of cucumber, tomato, onion and yoghurt; and Pudina Laccha Naan, a crispy, flaky and layered wholewheat Indian flatbread with fresh mint.
The meal concludes with Black Sesame Kulfi with Rabdi Falooda, a rich summer dessert from northern India made with black sesame kulfi (frozen Indian ice cream), along with layers of rabdi (thickened milk) and falooda sev (vermicelli noodles).
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About Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights
Diwali marks the return of the Hindu deity Rama to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana, and the deity Krishna’s victory over Narakasura. The festival commemorates the triumph of Rama’s good over Ravana’s evil; Krishna’s knowledge over Narakasura’s ignorance. Every year, celebrants dress up in colourful clothes, fill their homes with the bright light of oil-wick lamps, set off fireworks and share delicious food with the whole community. To Hindus, light is symbolic of knowledge and goodness that drives away darkness and evil, as well as a way of welcoming Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, power, beauty and prosperity, into their homes.