Baisakhi Food Festival At Renaissance

Baisakhi is a very special and an important festival in India, especially in Punjab. It is officially the Punjabi harvest festival for everyone residing in that region. On this day farmers observe their thanksgiving by being grateful to God by thanking the almighty for the plentiful harvest and they also pray for the same prosperity in the coming future too with ample crops. NawabSahab hosted the Baisakhi Food Festival at Renaissance, Mumbai that was just like stepping right into Punjab. A Punjabi dance troop set us right into the mood and we also did a little “balle balle”.

With a field and a village set-up, right outside Nawab Sahab, it took you into the filmy scenes of happy villages where hard work and small joys unite. Their food was also dedicated to the festival of crops and it brought out the flavour of Punjab in the best way possible.

We started off with the traditional Lassi with finely chopped almonds and pistachios in earthen glasses. It was such a hit that we asked for a second helping.

Kasturi Paneer Tikke – This was a favourite amongst the non-vegetarians like myself too and not just amongst the veggie lovers. Simply because the tandoor masala was exactly like the chicken tandoor one.

Kheema De Seekh – One very important starter for any Punjabi festival, occasion or event. Slightly spicy and cooked to perfection. Was best enjoyed with the pudina chutney and the lamb minced with cheese butter brought out two distinctive flavours.

Jalandhar De Tikke – You are bound to go back to your hometown or mentally be at a dhaba in Jalandhar if you have ever tasted the authentic Punjabi Cuisine with cream-cheese marinade. The chicken was so well marinated and the homemade masala made a difference.

Bhatti Da Murg – This starter chicken dish cannot be missed lovelies. A perfectly roasted chicken served with some cold yougurt while serving and also used while marinating!

Multan Punjab Di Pasliyaan –Pasliyaan is referred to mutton ribs and this is another traditional dish cooked every other day in most of the households in Punjab. I liked the flavour of charcoal grilled lamb ribs in ginger garlic paste. Very much like how we make it ourselves in our homes.

Amritsari Macchi Taliyan – The batter fried sole fish will make you crave for more. The Indian spices, chilli and gram flour do their magic as you enjoy every bite of it.

Now for the main course of the Baisakhi Food Festival… Burrrraaahh!!

Khaasa Murg – This is a pot-roasted chicken with lots of poppy seeds and tomatoes puree. Fresh from the fields of Punjab.

Makhni Kukkad De Tikke – This chicken is marinated with cashew paste and cream and then cooked using a tandoor with tomatoes puree. A rich blend of cream and cashews makes it a unique tasting dish.

Naabe Waala Meat – This is a Punjabi lamb preparation using fenugreek powder, curd and onions. Best enjoyed with steamed rice or jeera rice or with a wide choices of breads that you get at the Baisakhi Food Festival.

Dal Makhni – How can you miss out on the stewed urad lentils right? A rich buttery taste made for a perfect dal makhani

Sarso Da Sag, Make Di Roti – A true Baisakhi Food Festival ended with my most favourite Sarso Da Sag and Make Di Roti. I actually chose the make di roti over normal breads for other gravy options too.

Memna Pulao – This is made using Basmati rice, baby lamb and Punjabi spices. Once can also spot some hints aromatic saffron in it. The baby lamb meat tastes so different and it is nothing like your regular pulaos.