Independence Day 2023: Celebrate With These 5 Delectable Snacks

As the nation gets ready to celebrate its 77th Independence Day, what better way to honor the occasion than with a spread of delightful and patriotic snacks? Whether you're hosting a gathering, enjoying a family picnic, or simply looking for some festive treats to enjoy, these 5 delectable snacks are sure to add a flavorful touch to your celebrations.

# Tricolor Vegetable Sandwiches:

Start your Independence Day feast with a burst of colors in the form of tricolor vegetable sandwiches.

Ingredients for the Tri-Color Tiranga Sandwich:

To prepare this special sandwich, you'll need a few simple ingredients:

1. Saffron Layer (Top Layer):

Slices of bread
Saffron-colored spread (can be achieved using carrot or pumpkin puree mixed with mayonnaise or cream cheese)
Slices of cheese or paneer

2. White Layer (Middle Layer):

Slices of bread
Mayonnaise or hung curd spread
Slices of boiled potatoes

3. Green Layer (Bottom Layer):

Slices of bread

Green chutney (made from coriander, mint, green chilies, and lemon juice)
Slices of cucumber, bell pepper, or lettuce

Method

Saffron Layer: Start by applying the saffron-colored spread on one side of a slice of bread. Place slices of cheese or paneer on top and cover it with another slice of bread.

White Layer: For the middle layer, spread mayonnaise or hung curd on one side of a slice of bread. Add slices of boiled potatoes and cover it with another slice of bread.

Green Layer: Apply green chutney on one side of a slice of bread. Place slices of cucumber, bell pepper, or lettuce on top and cover it with another slice of bread.

Assemble the Sandwich: Carefully stack the three layers – saffron, white, and green – on top of each other.

Cut and Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the sandwich into halves or quarters. The layers will be visible, showcasing the beautiful Tri-Color Tiranga effect.

# Saffron Flavored Yogurt Parfait

Pay homage to the saffron hue of our national flag with a saffron-flavored yogurt parfait. Layer golden saffron-infused yogurt with granola and fresh fruits like mango and orange. This treat not only represents the spirit of India but also offers a refreshing and nutritious snack option.

Ingredients

Greek yogurt
Saffron strands
Honey or agave syrup
Fresh mango cubes
Fresh orange segments
Granola or crushed nuts (like almonds or pistachios)
Edible gold leaf (optional, for garnish)

Method

Infuse Saffron:

- Warm a small amount of milk and add saffron strands to it. Allow the saffron to steep in the milk until it imparts its vibrant color and distinct aroma.

Prepare Yogurt Mixture:

- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt and the saffron-infused milk. Mix well to incorporate the saffron color and flavor into the yogurt.
- Add a drizzle of honey or agave syrup for sweetness. Adjust the sweetness to your preference.

Layering:

- In serving glasses or jars, start with a layer of the saffron-flavored yogurt mixture.
- Add a layer of fresh mango cubes, followed by a layer of yogurt.
- Top with a layer of fresh orange segments.

Finishing Touches:

- Sprinkle granola or crushed nuts on top to add a satisfying crunch to the parfait.
- If desired, garnish with a delicate touch of edible gold leaf for a regal touch.

# Tri-color Fruit Skewers

For a refreshing and easy-to-serve snack, create tri-color fruit skewers using fruits that represent the colors of the Indian flag. Thread green grapes, orange segments, and blueberries onto skewers for a visually striking and delicious treat that's perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Green grapes
Orange segments
Blueberries

Method

Prepare the Fruits:

- Wash and dry the green grapes, orange segments, and blueberries.

Assemble the Skewers:

- Begin by threading a green grape onto a skewer. This represents the green stripe on the flag.
- Follow with an orange segment to symbolize the orange stripe.
- Complete the skewer by adding a blueberry, signifying the Ashoka Chakra in the center of the flag.
- Repeat this pattern for as many skewers as you'd like to make.

Presentation:

- Arrange the Tri-color Fruit Skewers on a serving platter to showcase the tricolor theme.

# Tiranga Dhokla

Put a patriotic twist on a classic Indian snack with tiranga dhokla. Prepare layers of spinach, carrot, and plain dhokla batter and steam them to perfection. Stack the colorful layers and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Serve with mint chutney for a flavorful accompaniment.

Ingredients

For the Green Layer (Spinach Dhokla):

Gram flour (besan)
Spinach puree
Ginger-green chili paste
Eno fruit salt
Turmeric powder
Salt
Oil

For the White Layer (Plain Dhokla):

Gram flour (besan)
Yogurt
Eno fruit salt
Salt
Sugar
Oil

For the Orange Layer (Carrot Dhokla):

Gram flour (besan)
Carrot puree
Ginger-green chili paste
Eno fruit salt
Turmeric powder
Salt
Oil

For the Garnish:

Fresh coriander leaves
Grated coconut

Method

Prepare the Green Layer:

- Mix gram flour, spinach puree, ginger-green chili paste, turmeric powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Add water and create a smooth batter.
- Grease a steaming dish and add Eno fruit salt to the batter. Pour the batter into the dish and steam until cooked.

Prepare the White Layer:

- Mix gram flour, yogurt, salt, sugar, and water to form a batter.
- Grease another steaming dish, add Eno fruit salt to the batter, and pour into the dish. Steam until cooked.

Prepare the Orange Layer:

- Follow the same steps as the green layer, substituting spinach puree with carrot puree and adding turmeric powder for color.

Assemble the Dhokla:

- Once all layers are cooked and cooled, carefully unmold them onto a plate.

Cut and Arrange:

- Cut the dhokla layers into square or rectangular pieces.
- Arrange the green, white, and orange pieces on a serving platter to mimic the tricolor flag.

Garnish:

- Garnish the Tiranga Dhokla with fresh coriander leaves and grated coconut for added flavor and texture.

Presentation:

Serve the Tiranga Dhokla as a captivating centerpiece at your Independence Day gathering. The colorful layers and vibrant garnishes pay homage to the spirit of the nation's freedom.

# Independence Day Mocktail

Raise a glass to the spirit of independence with an Independence Day Mocktail that perfectly captures the tricolor essence of our nation's flag. This refreshing and vibrant drink not only quenches your thirst but also adds a festive touch to your celebrations.

Ingredients

For the Green Layer:

Mint leaves
Lime juice
Sugar or honey
Club soda

For the White Layer:

Pineapple juice
Coconut water or coconut milk

For the Orange Layer:

Orange juice
Grenadine syrup (for sweetness and color)

Method

Prepare the Green Layer:

- In a shaker, muddle mint leaves with lime juice and sugar or honey.
- Add ice cubes and a splash of club soda. Shake well.

Prepare the White Layer:

- Fill a glass with pineapple juice and gently pour coconut water or coconut milk on top, allowing it to create a separate layer.

Prepare the Orange Layer:

- In another glass, mix orange juice with a splash of grenadine syrup for both sweetness and color.

Assemble the Mocktail:

- Carefully pour the green layer from the shaker into the bottom of a serving glass.
- Using the back of a spoon, gently layer the white pineapple-coconut mixture on top of the green layer.
- Finally, layer the orange-orange-grenadine mixture on top to complete the tricolor effect.

Garnish:

- Garnish with a mint sprig or an orange slice for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation:

Serve the Independence Day Mocktail in clear glasses to showcase the stunning tricolor layers. The visual appeal is sure to delight your guests.