Ganesh Puja is a time for purity and devotion, and this extends to the food prepared for the occasion.
Many devotees follow a tradition of cooking without onion and garlic during the festival, ensuring that the meals are sattvic and suitable for offerings.
These no onion, no garlic Odia recipes are flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for celebrating Ganesh Puja while keeping the rituals intact.
Ghee Rice: Fragrant basmati rice cooked with ghee, and whole spices, making it a rich and flavourful accompaniment for festive meals.
Dalma: A wholesome dish made with lentils and mixed vegetables, slow-cooked with mild spices and tempered with ghee, offering a balanced, hearty flavour.
Potala Korma: A creamy & mildly spiced curry made with pointed gourd (potala), simmered in a coconut & yoghurt-based gravy, perfect for special occasions.
Dahi Baigan: Tender eggplant pieces cooked in a tangy and creamy yoghurt sauce, flavoured with simple spices and tempered with mustard seeds for a unique taste.
Tamatar Khajoor Khatta: A sweet and tangy chutney made with ripe tomatoes and dates, spiced with panch phoron, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.
Vegetable Chips: Crispy, lightly spiced chips made from a variety of vegetables like banana, potato, or bitter gourd, perfect as a crunchy snack or side dish.
Chana Paneer Tarkari: A flavourful paneer curry using fried cottage cheese balls in tomato chasew-based gravy, cooked with aromatic spices for a satisfying and protein-rich dish.