Sattvic Holiday Cooking: Rava Dosa, Biryani, and More

A Vaishnav Holiday Feast: Simple,Soulful, and Onion-Free Delights

The holidays are a time of love, laughter, and togetherness, celebrated best over a table filled with delicious food. But for those who follow specific dietary practices, like the Vaishnav principles of avoiding onions and garlic, creating a festive menu can sometimes feel challenging. However, the beauty of such traditions lies in their simplicity, mindfulness, and spiritual depth, transforming every meal into an offering of love and gratitude.

As someone who holds Vaishnav practices close to my heart, the holiday season becomes an opportunity to blend flavors, traditions, and my love for cooking into something truly special. For me, food is not just nourishment but a way to connect with my roots, celebrate life’s blessings, and share joy with loved ones. This blog is my way of sharing a festive menu that captures the essence of these values—free of onions and garlic but bursting with taste, color, and soul.

From the crispy goodness of Rava Dosa paired with Coconut Chutney to the comforting simplicity of Spiced Aloo, the aromatic allure of Vegetarian Biryani, and the indulgence of Rabdi, this menu is designed to make your holidays flavorful, meaningful, and memorable.

---

Why Vaishnav Cuisine Is Special

Vaishnav cuisine is rooted in spirituality and devotion. It emphasizes pure vegetarian cooking and often avoids ingredients like onions and garlic, which are considered tamasic (inducing lethargy or passion) in Ayurveda. Instead, the focus is on sattvic (pure and balanced) foods that nourish both body and soul.

Cooking without onions and garlic might seem limiting at first, but it’s an opportunity to explore the richness of spices, herbs, and other natural flavors. Every dish in this menu showcases how creativity in cooking can yield dishes that are wholesome, delicious, and deeply satisfying.

---

The Menu: A Celebration of Flavors

This holiday feast features four dishes that span the day, from a hearty breakfast to a sweet ending. Here’s how you can prepare this delightful meal:

---

1. Breakfast: Rava Dosa with Coconut Chutney

Start your day with a crispy, golden dosa paired with creamy coconut chutney. This combination is light, flavorful, and perfect for energizing your morning.

Rava Dosa Recipe

• Ingredients
  • 1 cup rava (semolina)
  • ½ cup rice flour
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2½ cups water (adjust for consistency)
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 green chili, finely chopped
  • A few curry leaves, finely chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Oil for cooking

Instructions

1. Combine the rava, rice flour, all-purpose flour, cumin seeds, green chili, curry leaves, and salt in a bowl.
2. Gradually add water, stirring continuously to create a thin, lump-free batter.
3. Heat a non-stick pan and drizzle with oil. Pour the batter in a lacy pattern.
4. Cook on medium heat until the dosa turns golden and crisp. Serve hot.

Coconut Chutney Recipe

• Ingredients
  • 1 cup fresh coconut, grated
  • 2 tbsp roasted chana dal
  • 1 green chili
  • 1 small piece of ginger
  • Salt to taste
  • Water for blending
  • For tempering: 1 tsp oil, ½ tsp mustard seeds, curry leaves, 1 dried red chili

Instructions

1. Blend grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chili, ginger, and salt with water to form a smooth paste.
2. Heat oil, add mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dried red chili. Pour the tempering over the chutney.

---

2. Mid-Morning Snack: Spiced Aloo (No Onion)

A classic and comforting dish, Spiced Aloo is full of flavor and pairs beautifully with the simplicity of holiday mornings.

Ingredients

• 3 medium potatoes, boiled and peeled
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• ½ tsp mustard seeds
• A few curry leaves
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• ½ tsp red chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp tamarind pulp (optional)

Instructions

1. Roughly mash the boiled potatoes, leaving some texture.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, and let them splutter. Add curry leaves.
3. Stir in turmeric, chili, and cumin powders along with salt.
4. Add the potatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes, mixing well. If desired, add tamarind pulp for tanginess.

---

3. Lunch: Vegetarian Biryani (No Onion, No Garlic)

This dish is the star of the menu—a fragrant, flavorful biryani made with love and devotion.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1½ cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, etc.)
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 2 tbsp biryani masala (onion- and garlic-free)
• ½ tsp turmeric powder
• Whole spices: 2 bay leaves, 4 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, 1 cinnamon stick, 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the rice with whole spices and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan, add cumin seeds and let them crackle.
3. Add chopped vegetables and sauté until tender. Stir in yogurt, turmeric, and biryani masala.
4. Layer the rice, vegetables, and mint leaves in a pot. Cover and cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
5. Garnish with coriander leaves if desired and serve hot.

---

4. Dessert: Rabdi

End your festive meal with a bowl of creamy, rich Rabdi.

Ingredients

• 1 liter full-fat milk
• 4 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp cardamom powder
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• Chopped nuts for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil the milk in a wide pan and reduce the heat. Stir frequently, scraping the sides.
2. Once the milk reduces to half, add sugar, cardamom, and saffron.
3. Cook for a few more minutes and let cool slightly. Garnish with nuts before serving.

---

Conclusion: A Feast from the Heart

Cooking this holiday feast is not just about feeding the body but also nurturing the soul. Every dish reflects the beauty of Vaishnav cuisine—simple, pure, and deeply satisfying. By focusing on sattvic ingredients and flavors, this menu transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary celebration.

Whether you’re sharing these dishes with family, friends, or simply enjoying them as an offering of gratitude, they’re sure to bring joy to your table. Try these recipes, embrace the mindfulness of cooking, and celebrate the holidays with love, warmth, and tradition.

Happy cooking, and may your holidays be as flavorful and fulfilling as this feast!