A Tricolour Dhokla Dhamaka

When breakfast hour closes in on a holiday, especially if it’s one that celebrates the nation, and its freedom, it’s no place for the typical Sundayesque lazy bones to idle and lounge around. There’s ample rattling of these bones while the deft hands work up their magic to rustle up a special something for the suitably famished family. It’s funny how the mind, when put thus to task, reminisces the little things that made Independence Day special when one was a school-going eager beaver. The sound of patriotic themed songs on Vividh Bharati, the AIR program, reverberating from the Philips radio in the kitchen while Mom whipped up those signature tri-colour treats – white bread sandwiches finished off with spiced carrots, freshly grated coconut and generous smatterings of herbs..or carrot halwa topped with home-made khoa and pistachos – all redolent of and pointing to precious moments spent in the living room, watching the parade on Doordarshan, savouring every bite of these goodies with the family. This then, our Tiranga Suji Dhokla, is not only a tribute to those precious memories, but to the present, to our children..who are used to eating healthy in a fun way as long as we can help it..and to the spirit of August the 15th as we know and love it.

This post is extra special because it not only marks Independence day in India but also celebrates our friendship with Bangalore-based blogger – Shirley. In the short time that we’ve known Shirley and her blog – Enriching Your Kid! we’ve come to like and respect her and her work. A clinical psychologist by profession, an avid gardener and creator of healthful meals for her kids, this talented lady makes it all look so easy.

When Shirley asked us to do a guest post for Independence Day over at her blog, we knew we had to create a Tadka treat that’s suitably patriotic, something fun, healthful, kid-friendly and of course, a cinch to put together. Our Tiranga Suji Dhokla hits the spot for breakfast or brunch and will have the little ones clamouring to help measure and stir at your elbows. And it would be totally appropriate if you were to cut your dhokla cake while singing “Happy Birthday India”.

Head on over to our guest post at Enriching Your Kid! for the recipe and check out all the wonderful ideas for baby food, school lunches and snacks. And thank you, Shirley for your friendship and for sharing your space with us.

For the perfect tricolour dessert, do check out our Tirangi Kulfi –