Griha Pravesh Puja, also known as a housewarming ceremony, is an auspicious occasion in Indian culture. It marks the entry into a new home and is accompanied by various rituals to ensure prosperity, peace, and happiness in the household. One of the significant aspects of this ceremony is the preparation of delicious and traditional vegetarian dishes. These dishes not only please the gods but also delight the guests attending the puja. Here, we present the best veg recipes for Griha Pravesh Puja to make your celebration memorable.

Traditional Sweet Delights

1. Kheer

Ingredients:

  • 1 litre full cream milk
  • 1/4 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4-5 green cardamoms
  • A handful of nuts (almonds, cashews, raisins)
  • A few strands of saffron

Instructions:

  1. Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes.
  2. Boil the milk in a heavy-bottomed pan.
  3. Add the soaked rice and cook on low flame, stirring continuously.
  4. Once the rice is cooked and the milk thickens, add sugar and cardamom powder.
  5. Garnish with nuts and saffron strands.
  6. Serve hot or chilled.

2. Ladoo

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups besan (gram flour)
  • 1 cup ghee
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder

Instructions:

  1. Roast the besan in ghee on a low flame until it turns golden brown.
  2. Add cardamom powder and nuts, and mix well.
  3. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then add powdered sugar.
  4. Shape the mixture into small ladoos.
  5. Store in an airtight container.

Main Course Offerings

3. Paneer Butter Masala

Ingredients:

  • 200 grams paneer (cottage cheese)
  • 2 large tomatoes
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Puree the tomatoes and finely chop the onions.
  2. Heat oil and butter in a pan, and add cumin seeds.
  3. Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute.
  5. Add tomato puree and cook until the oil separates.
  6. Add red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
  7. Add cream and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Add paneer cubes and simmer for 5 minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

4. Vegetable Pulao

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp ghee or oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 green cardamoms
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Wash and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes.
  2. Heat ghee or oil in a pan; add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon, cardamoms, and bay leaf.
  3. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  4. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
  5. Add soaked rice and 2 cups of water.
  6. Add salt and mix well.
  7. Cover and cook on low flame until the rice is done.
  8. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

Delicious Sides

5. Aloo Gobi

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tbsp oil
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp coriander powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan, add cumin seeds.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
  4. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
  5. Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt.
  6. Add potatoes and cauliflower and mix well.
  7. Cover and cook on low flame until the vegetables are tender.
  8. Add garam masala and mix well.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.

6. Raita

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup yogurt
  • 1 cucumber, grated
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp cumin powder
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the yogurt until smooth.
  2. Add grated cucumber, carrot, and chopped tomato.
  3. Add salt and cumin powder and mix well.
  4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve chilled.

Conclusion

Preparing these best veg recipes for Griha Pravesh Puja will ensure that your guests are delighted and the gods are pleased. These traditional dishes, with their rich flavors and aromas, are perfect for celebrating the auspicious occasion of entering a new home. Enjoy the festivities with these delectable vegetarian dishes that are sure to make your Griha Pravesh Puja a memorable event.