5 Tricolour recipes for a patriotic feast on Independence Day

As India gears up to celebrate its 79th Independence Day on August 15, the spirit of patriotism fills the air. While the day is marked by flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, and a profound sense of national pride, many homes across the country will also celebrate in a way that is uniquely Indian: through food.

This year, why not bring the colors of the tricolor flag—saffron, white, and green—to your dining table?  By creating dishes that mirror these vibrant hues, you can add a delicious and visually stunning tribute to the nation.

Here are five easy-to-make, tricolor-themed recipes—from a zesty appetizer to a delightful dessert—that are perfect for your Independence Day feast.

1. Tricolour Paneer Tikka

This is a creative and flavorful twist on the classic paneer tikka. Marinating paneer in three different pastes—saffron, white, and green—creates a beautiful and delicious starter.

Ingredients:

• For the Orange/Saffron Layer:
  • 8-10 cubes of paneer
  • 1 tbsp thick curd (yogurt)
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 tsp Kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp roasted chickpea flour (besan)
  • Salt to taste
• For the White Layer:
  • 8-10 cubes of paneer
  • 1 tbsp thick curd
  • 1 tsp fresh cream
  • 1/2 tsp cashew paste
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper powder
  • Salt to taste
• For the Green Layer:
  • 8-10 cubes of paneer
  • 1 tbsp thick curd
  • 1/2 cup fresh mint and coriander leaves paste
  • 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 green chili (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp roasted chickpea flour (besan)
  • Salt to taste
• Skewers, oil for brushing

Instructions:

1. Cut the paneer into equal-sized cubes and pat them dry.
2. In three separate bowls, prepare the marinades. For the saffron layer, mix all its ingredients. For the white layer, mix its ingredients. For the green layer, blend mint, coriander, and green chili with a little water to form a paste, then mix with the other ingredients.
3. Coat the paneer cubes in each bowl, ensuring they are evenly covered. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
4. Thread the paneer cubes onto skewers in the order of green, white, and orange.
5. Grill or pan-fry the tikkas until they are lightly charred and cooked through. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon.

2. Tiranga Pulao

This fragrant and celebratory rice dish is a feast for the eyes and the palate. It’s a simple yet elegant way to serve a tricolor main course.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 tbsp ghee or oil
• For the Orange/Saffron Layer:
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
• For the Green Layer:
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup green peas
• For all layers:
  • Whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick)
  • Salt to taste
  • Water

Instructions:

1. Cook the soaked basmati rice until it is 80% done. Strain and set it aside.
2. Divide the cooked rice into three equal portions.
3. In a pan, heat a little ghee. Add grated carrot and tomato puree, and sauté until the raw smell is gone. Add one portion of rice and a pinch of salt, mix well, and set aside. This is your saffron layer.
4. In the same pan, add a little more ghee. Sauté chopped spinach and green peas. Add another portion of rice and a pinch of salt, mix well, and set aside. This is your green layer.
5. The final portion of rice remains plain white.
6. To assemble, serve the pulao in a platter by layering the green rice at the bottom, the white rice in the middle, and the saffron rice on top to resemble the flag.

3. Tricolour Pasta Salad

A refreshing and healthy salad is a great way to add a fresh element to your festive meal. This pasta salad uses natural ingredients to create the patriotic colors.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pasta (fusilli or penne)
• For the Green Layer:
  • 1/2 cup cooked green peas
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cucumber
  • 1 tbsp mint leaves
• For the White Layer:
  • 1/2 cup cubed mozzarella or paneer
• For the Orange/Saffron Layer:
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (orange and yellow)
  • 1/2 cup boiled and cubed carrots
• For the dressing:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with all the chopped vegetables, paneer, and mint.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

4. Tricolour Fruit Salad Skewers

For a light and healthy dessert or a quick snack, these fruit skewers are a perfect choice. They are visually appealing and require no cooking.

Ingredients:

• Wooden skewers
• For the Saffron/Orange:
  • Cantaloupe or orange segments
• For the White:
  • Banana slices or pear cubes
• For the Green:
  • Kiwi slices or green grapes

Instructions:

1. Wash and chop all the fruits into bite-sized pieces.
2. Carefully thread the fruit onto the wooden skewers in the order of orange, white, and green.
3. You can serve them as is, or with a light sprinkle of chaat masala for a tangy twist.

5. Tricolour Barfi

No Indian celebration is complete without a sweet dish. This tricolor barfi is a festive treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mawa (khoya) or milk powder
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• For the colors:
  • A few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk (for orange)
  • Pistachio paste or green food color (for green)
• A few drops of rose water (optional)
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pan, combine sugar and water and heat until a thick, single-thread syrup is formed.
2. Add the mawa or milk powder and cook until the mixture thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
3. Divide the mixture into three equal portions.
4. In the first portion, mix the saffron-infused milk for a natural orange color. Spread this layer evenly on a greased tray.
5. Keep the second portion plain white and spread it over the orange layer.
6. In the third portion, add the pistachio paste or green food color and spread it over the white layer.
7. Sprinkle with chopped nuts for garnish.
8. Allow the barfi to cool completely and set before cutting it into squares or diamond shapes.

These tricolour recipes are a creative way to celebrate Independence Day at home while sharing a festive meal with your loved ones.