A recent food experience made me realise that our comfort zone is actually a risky space. You get so comfortable with the familiar, that you have no idea what amazing things you are missing out on. Case in point: my recent dining experience at Oh! Calcutta. A single dining experience at this restaurant brought me extremely close to the Bengali cuisine, a mind-blowing range of dishes I cannot fathom why I never explored. Oh! Calcutta introduced me not just to the impeccable Bengali cuisine, but also to the broad spectrum of the food from Calcutta (or Kolkata) with its conglomeration of cultures resulting in dishes that are unique, special and oh-so-delicious. 

Oh! Calcutta’s founder Anjan Chatterjee hosted the 25th anniversary celebration of their restaurant and shared with us his vision of taking the regional food of Kolkata to the rest of the world. He also talked about the importance of the tiniest spices and local ingredients, all of which come together to make wonderful Bengali food.

The interior of Oh! Calcutta is humble yet elegant, two core values which are also reflected in each dish and the incredible service and hospitality of this restaurant. With soft Bengali music playing in the background and fragrant jasmine flowers arranged on the table, we began our feast with a glass of refreshing Aam Panna Shorbot.

For Starters, we ate the Jackfruit Tikki with goat cheese. The preparation was spectacular and it was hard to tell that it was a vegetarian dish. Next, we tried the Anglo-Indian Chicken Cutlet which was crispy on the outside and packed with flavours on the inside. The cutlet paired well with the Mustard Aioli Dip. A soft and melt-in-mouth item in the snacks was the Nawabi Mutton Gilawat with earthy notes of nutmeg. The Starters were served with Tomato chutney flavoured with mustard oil and panch phoron and a cooling Cucumber yoghurt dip.

My favourite Starter undoubtedly has got to be the fish – Aam Ada Grilled Bhetki which is flavoured with mango ginger, a ginger with the flavour of raw mango. Avoid the dip with this one, and you will be surprised to spot the lingering mango essence on your tongue when you bite into this dish.

The Main Course was like a comforting and delicious Bengali homecooked meal, cooked to perfection. With soft rice and crispy Petai Paratha, we enjoyed Kosha Mangsho which had tender mutton pieces in a thick, flavourful gravy. In chicken, we loved the Lebu Pata Diye Murgir Jhol, flavoured with Gondhoraj leaf which is similar to the Kaffir lime leaf. The Prawn Malai Curry stood out in the presentation, served inside a coconut and came with a sweet and delicious coconut-base gravy. You cannot skip fish while enjoying authentic Bengali food. We tried Doi Bhetki which had a creamy and mildly-spiced yogurt base.

Some delicious vegetarian items in our main course included the comforting classic Cholar Dal, and one dish that truly stood out – the Koraishutir Dhokar Dalna. This dish featured fried dumplings made of green peas and chana dal, served in a delicately flavoured curry. It tasted fabulous and had a wonderful texture.

Along with the meal, we enjoyed the Gondhoraj Salad with lime zest and a sweet Pineapple Chutney which is enjoyed at the end of the meal.

After a hearty dinner, we freshened our hands by dipping into a lukewarm finger bowl, a simple tradition that I terribly miss at most Indian restaurants. Finally, we finished our delicious meal by enjoying the sweet, rich and delicious Chenar Malpua and Baked Rosogulla with thick caramelised milk.

• What: Oh! Calcutta
• Where: Plot 4, Local Shopping Centre Masjid Moth, Greater Kailash II, New Delhi, Delhi 110048
• When: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm, 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm
• Cost for Two: Rs 1800 (approx.)

When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, dinner plays a key role in keeping your calorie count balanced for the day. Fortunately, Indian cuisine offers a variety of delicious, wholesome options that are light, nutritious, and satisfy your hunger without packing on extra calories. Whether you’re watching your weight or simply aiming for a lighter meal, here are some traditional Indian foods that make for a satisfying dinner under 200 calories.

1. Moong Dal Soup (Green Gram Soup) – 150-170 Calories

Moong dal soup is a light, protein-packed dish made from split green gram. This nutrient-dense soup is not only low in calories but also rich in fiber, making it a perfect choice for dinner. The dal is boiled and tempered with cumin, garlic, and a sprinkle of spices for flavor, making it a warm and comforting meal.

2. Vegetable Stir-Fry (Mixed Sabzi) – 120-150 Calories

A simple, colorful vegetable stir-fry made with ingredients like bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, and spinach is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense dinner option. Lightly sautéed in minimal oil with spices like cumin, turmeric, and coriander, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

3. Cucumber Raita – 100-120 Calories

Cucumber raita, made with low-fat yogurt, grated cucumber, and a dash of roasted cumin powder, is a refreshing, hydrating side dish. It’s light on calories, easy to make, and pairs well with almost any Indian meal. You can also add other vegetables like tomatoes or mint for extra flavor and nutrition.

4. Palak Soup (Spinach Soup) – 90-110 Calories

Palak soup is a light, nutrient-packed option for a low-calorie dinner. Made by blending spinach with spices and a touch of garlic, this soup provides a healthy dose of iron and fiber. It’s filling enough to be enjoyed on its own, or you can pair it with a light salad.

5. Idli with Coconut Chutney – 140-180 Calories

Idlis are a classic South Indian dish made from fermented rice and urad dal (black gram). These steamed rice cakes are not only low in calories but also rich in fiber and easy on the stomach. Pair one or two small idlis with a light coconut chutney to keep your calorie count in check for a healthy, filling dinner.

6. Lauki (Bottle Gourd) Sabzi – 80-100 Calories

Lauki, or bottle gourd, is a humble yet highly nutritious vegetable often used in Indian cooking. Lauki sabzi is prepared by lightly sautéing diced bottle gourd with mustard seeds, cumin, and a pinch of turmeric. This dish is extremely low in calories but high in fiber, making it a perfect choice for a light dinner.

7. Tandoori Paneer Tikka – 150-180 Calories

For those who crave a bit of protein in their dinner, tandoori paneer tikka is a delicious option. Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes are marinated in a mix of yogurt and spices, then grilled or baked. This dish is filling yet light on calories and can be enjoyed with a side of salad for a complete meal.

8. Moong Dal Chilla (Savory Pancakes) – 120-160 Calories

Moong dal chilla is a healthy, low-calorie savory pancake made from ground yellow moong dal batter. It’s pan-cooked with minimal oil and is often flavored with spices and herbs. You can add finely chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

9. Clear Vegetable Soup – 70-90 Calories

A clear vegetable soup made with carrots, cabbage, mushrooms, and peas is a light and nourishing dinner option. The broth is flavored with herbs and a touch of spices, and the vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals without adding many calories. It’s a satisfying and hydrating choice for a calorie-conscious meal.

10. Sprouts Salad – 80-100 Calories

A salad made with sprouted moong beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a dash of lemon juice is an excellent low-calorie, high-protein option for dinner. Sprouts are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients, making this salad both light and filling. Adding a sprinkle of chaat masala or cumin powder enhances the flavor.

 

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)

 

Diwali is the favourite festival of many Indians – LED lights strung across every building, homes full of sweets and a crisp air of upcoming winter enveloping all of us in a spirit of joy and celebration. What’s not to love about Diwali? Seize this festive spirit and play host to one of the most fabulous Diwali Card Party your guests will never forget. We are here to help you every step of the way – from decor to dessert and everything in between. 

Party-Theme Outfits

Pick a theme for outfits and make sure all your guests stick to it. It can be as simple as Diwali ethnic outfits to perhaps some colour theme for the card party – red, white and black. You can also wear a shirt with hearts or cards to stand out as the host. 

Festive Decor

A nice decoration is important for a Diwali party. Make sure you are done with the Diwali cleaning in your home before hosting the get-together. Next, place diyas and candles to get that Diwali vibe. You can also make a pyramid of playing cards (make sure to stick all cards in place) and set it at the centre table.
Also Read:Diwali 2024: Date, Puja Timings, Rituals And Best Traditional Sweet Recipes

Cocktail O’ Clock!

No card party is complete without cocktails. Going with the festive vibe, you can serve Bloody Mary, Sangria, Whiskey Sour, Elderflower Martini and Margaritas. Feel free to customise the cocktail menu based on what your guests love the most.

Appetizers And Snacks

Finger food is perfect for a card party. Avoid serving anything complicated such as chicken wings that may require your guest to leave the cards to eat or get their hands dirty. Here are some snack ideas: 

Vegetarian:

Rajma Kebab: These veg kebabs combine kidney beans and aromatic spices, which are deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown colour. 

Potato Cheese Shots: Potatoes are a staple in every Indian kitchen and are always a popular choice. Potato cheese shots make for a delightful snack for people of all ages.

Falafel With Peanut Sauce: This falafel recipe is easy to prepare using common ingredients you probably have on hand. These Middle Eastern patties will be a versatile addition to your party spread.
Also Read:Ahead Of Festive Season, Swiggy Instamart Launches 24×7 Free Delivery In Delhi-NCR

Non-Vegetarian:

Fish Popcorn: The aroma and texture of this recipe will surely captivate the taste buds of your guests. 

Baked Chicken Seekh: Enjoy chicken seekh kebabs that aren’t drenched in oil. With this simple baked chicken seekh recipe, your guests can savour kebabs completely guilt-free.

Keema Samosa: Instead of stuffing samosas with potatoes, fill them with juicy, spiced keema for a meaty, crispy snack.

Dinner

Once everyone is done playing, it will be time for dinner. You can play some nice background music for dinner. Make sure all crockery and cutlery are in place before guests move for the main course. Here are some ideas for the dinner menu:

Butter Chicken: Chicken fans love a good and flavourful Butter Chicken. Choose shredded chicken pieces so guests can enjoy this dish easily.

Rogan Josh: One of the most beloved Kashmiri dishes in Indian cuisine, this red-gravy mutton dish has mutton pieces cooked with hot and spicy Kashmiri spices.

Dal Makhani: Everyone loves dal makhani, a creamy dal full of butter and rich flavours. 

Dum Paneer Kali Mirch: With its spicy and creamy profile, this paneer gravy dish will be loved by all your guests.

Malabar Parotta: Crispy and layered, Malabar parotta will add a delightful South Indian flair to your party menu.

Matar Pulao: Elevate plain rice with peas and spices to create a delicious pulao.

Desserts

Shahi Tukda: Transform fried bread pieces into a memorable dessert by generously coating them with rich layers of milk and nuts.

Phirni: Delight your guests by serving chilled Phirni in earthen cups, the perfect Indian dessert for a Diwali celebration.

Ice Cream: You can never go wrong with ice cream. Classics like vanilla, chocolate and mango are loved by everyone.

Say Goodbye With Gifts

Once done with desserts, do not forget to send your guests home with a special Diwali gift. You can never go wrong with a customised luxury food hamper and perhaps a pack of glossy cards as a token for the successful card party at your place. Happy Diwali!