As Holi inches closer, preparations are in full swing. Bringing a delish combo for the festival of colours, celebrity chef Ajay Chopra shares two recipes from PLAKA, his restaurant in Bengaluru, to make your Holi more vibrant. The star chef shares a recipe of Fatteh, a middle-eastern savoury delight, and Aparajita, which is a drink made with litchi and elderflower.
Fatteh
According to the chef, the Fatteh recipe is perfect for Holi with its vibrant flavours and colours. The creamy Garlic Tahina Yoghurt brings a tangy richness, complemented by the earthy chickpeas and aromatic spices. Topped with vibrant pomegranate seeds, it's a festive explosion of taste that matches the joyous spirit of Holi.
The recipe contains two spices — Sumac and Zaatar. Sumac is an essential spice that is used in Middle Eastern cooking. It has a deep red colour and has a fruity and citrusy flavour. It adds a pretty colour to your meals. Zaatar or Za’atar is an all spice that includes Sumac along with herbs like oregano, marjoram or thyme and some spices like cumin and coriander. It also has some sesame seeds and salt.
Ingredients
- Garlic Tahina Yogurt
- Boiled chickpeas: 60gm
- Sumac powder: a pinch
- Zaatar powder: a pinch
- Crispy pita bread: 20gm
- Cumin powder: 1/2 tsp
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
- Pomegranate: 10gm
Ingredients for Garlic Tahina Yogurt
- Hung curd: 100gm
- Curd: 25gm
- Tahini/Sesame seed paste: 50gm
- Salt: to taste
- White pepper: a pinch
- Black pepper: a pinch
- Minced garlic: 5gm
- Olive oil: 1 tbsp
Method
- To make the Garlic Tahina Yogurt, mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl and whisk well. Set aside
- Heat olive oil in a sauté pan, add garlic, and cook briefly
- Toss in boiled chickpeas and sauté for 2-3 minutes on medium heat, seasoning with salt and cumin powder. Set it aside
- For plating: Spread the garlic tahini yogurt on a flat plate or bowl, top with sautéed chickpeas, sprinkle with zaatar and sumac powder, drizzle with olive oil, garnish with pomegranate seeds, chopped parsley, and roasted pine nuts
Aparajita
Aparajita is a refreshing litchi juice stirred with citrus and Elderflower and blue pea tea mix. Chef explains that this cocktail is a vibrant and refreshing drink perfect for Holi celebrations. Its stunning blue hue, reminiscent of Holi’s colourful powders, captures the essence of the festival. With the blend of litchi, Elderflower, and citrus, it offers a flavourful experience, adding a touch of magic to the festivities.
Ingredients
- Litchi juice: 150ml
- Elderflower syrup: 15ml
- Citrus: 10ml
- Blue pea tea mix
Method
- Take a chilled cocktail mixing glass
- Add ice cube to a mixing glass and pour 150ml litchi juice
- Pour 15ml of Elderflower syrup and citrus
- Add all ingredients and give a nice stir
- Pour drink into double wall highball glass
- Layer with blue pea tea mix
- Garnish with Baby's Breath flower