Picnic Recipes in India: Delicious Ideas for Outdoor Dining

Picnics are a cherished tradition in India, offering a chance to enjoy nature, spend quality time with family and friends, and indulge in delicious food. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a trip to the mountains, or a simple outing in the park, having the right picnic recipes can elevate your experience. This comprehensive guide will explore a variety of picnic recipes that are easy to prepare, transport, and enjoy outdoors. From savory snacks to sweet treats, we’ve got you covered!

Why Indian Picnic Recipes Are Special

Indian cuisine is known for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and vibrant colors. When it comes to picnic recipes, Indian dishes offer:

  1. Variety: With numerous regional cuisines across India, there are countless options for picnic foods that cater to different tastes and preferences.
  2. Flavorful Ingredients: Indian recipes often incorporate spices and herbs that enhance flavor without the need for heavy sauces or dressings.
  3. Easy Preparation: Many Indian picnic foods can be prepared in advance and served cold or at room temperature, making them perfect for outdoor dining.
  4. Cultural Significance: Sharing traditional foods during picnics allows families to connect with their heritage while enjoying time together.

Essential Tips for Packing Picnic Food

Before diving into specific recipes, here are some essential tips for packing your picnic food:

  • Choose Portable Foods: Opt for dishes that are easy to transport and won’t spoil quickly.
  • Use Airtight Containers: Store food in airtight containers to keep it fresh and prevent spills.
  • Bring Utensils: Don’t forget to pack necessary utensils, napkins, and serving tools.
  • Stay Hydrated: Include refreshing drinks like water or flavored lassi to keep everyone hydrated during the outing.
  • Plan Ahead: Prepare dishes that can be made in advance to minimize stress on the day of the picnic.

Delicious Indian Picnic Recipes

Samosas

Samosas are a quintessential Indian snack that is perfect for picnics. These deep-fried pastries are filled with spiced potatoes and peas, making them a crowd favorite.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 tablespoons oil
  • Water (as needed)
  • 3 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
  • 1/2 cup green peas (boiled)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Oil (for frying)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, and oil. Gradually add water to form a smooth dough. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  2. In another bowl, mix mashed potatoes, peas, cumin seeds, garam masala, and salt.
  3. Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into thin circles.
  4. Cut each circle in half and form a cone shape. Fill with the potato mixture and seal the edges.
  5. Heat oil in a pan and fry the samosas until golden brown. Drain on paper towels before packing.

Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian snack made from spiced mashed potatoes formed into patties and fried until crispy.

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Oil (for frying)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, coriander leaves, garam masala, and salt.
  2. Form the mixture into small patties.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and shallow fry the patties until golden brown on both sides.
  4. Serve with mint chutney or ketchup.

Bhel Puri

Bhel Puri is a light and tangy snack made from puffed rice mixed with vegetables and chutneys—a perfect addition to any picnic spread.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups puffed rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup boiled potatoes (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons green chutney
  • 2 tablespoons tamarind chutney
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Sev (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine puffed rice with onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, green chutney, tamarind chutney, and salt.
  2. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  3. Garnish with sev before serving.

Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka is a vegetarian delight featuring marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection—ideal for picnics!

Ingredients:

  • 250 grams paneer (cubed)
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 teaspoon tandoori masala
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Bell peppers and onions (for skewering)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, tandoori masala, red chili powder, and salt.
  2. Add paneer cubes along with bell peppers and onions; marinate for at least an hour.
  3. Skewer the marinated paneer and vegetables onto skewers.
  4. Grill or bake until slightly charred before packing.

Dhokla

Dhokla is a steamed savory cake made from fermented chickpea batter—light, fluffy, and perfect for snacking.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gram flour (besan)
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • Salt (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon fruit salt (like Eno)
  • Mustard seeds (for tempering)
  • Curry leaves (for tempering)

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix gram flour with yogurt, turmeric powder, salt, and enough water to make a smooth batter.
  2. Let it ferment for about an hour.
  3. Just before steaming, add fruit salt to the batter; pour into a greased steaming tray.
  4. Steam for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  5. Temper mustard seeds in oil along with curry leaves; pour over the steamed dhokla before cutting into pieces.

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish from Mumbai consisting of spicy mixed vegetable curry served with buttered buns.

Ingredients:

  • For Bhaji:
    • 2 cups mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas)
    • 1 onion (chopped)
    • 2 tomatoes (chopped)
    • Spices: cumin seeds, pav bhaji masala
    • Butter

Instructions:

  1. Boil mixed vegetables until tender; mash them coarsely.
  2. In a pan, heat butter; sauté onions until golden brown.
  3. Add tomatoes and spices; cook until soft.
  4. Stir in mashed vegetables; cook for another few minutes before serving with buttered pav.

Vegetable Biryani

Biryani is a one-pot rice dish packed with aromatic spices—perfect for picnics!

Ingredients:

  • Basmati rice
  • Mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas)
  • Onions (sliced)
  • Ginger-garlic paste
  • Biryani masala

Instructions:

  1. Soak basmati rice for at least half an hour; drain it afterward.
  2. In a pot or pressure cooker, heat oil; sauté sliced onions until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste followed by mixed vegetables; sauté briefly before adding soaked rice and biryani masala.
  4. Add water according to rice cooking instructions; cover tightly and cook until done.

Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is another classic North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread.

Ingredients:

For Chole:

  • Chickpeas
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Spices: cumin seeds & garam masala

For Bhature:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Yogurt
  • Baking powder

Instructions:

Prepare chole by boiling chickpeas then cooking them with sautéed onions/tomatoes/spices until thickened while making bhature dough from flour/yogurt/baking powder then rolling out discs & frying them till golden brown.

Sweet Treats for Picnics

Don’t forget dessert! Here are some sweet treats that can brighten up your picnic:

Coconut Laddoos

Coconut laddoos are bite-sized sweets made from grated coconut—easy to prepare!

Ingredients:

  • Grated coconut
  • Condensed milk

Instructions:

Mix grated coconut with condensed milk over low heat until it thickens; shape into small balls once cooled down.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun are soft milk dumplings soaked in syrup—perfectly indulgent!

Ingredients:

For Dumplings:

  • Milk powder
  • Ghee
  • Baking soda

For Syrup:

  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Cardamom

Instructions:

Prepare dumplings by mixing milk powder/ghee/baking soda then frying them till golden brown & soaking them in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom after cooling down slightly.

 

FAQs

Can I prepare Indian dishes the night before a picnic?

Yes, many Indian dishes can be prepared the night before. Foods like samosas, dhokla, and biryani taste great even after being stored overnight. Just make sure to store them properly to maintain freshness.

What are some vegetarian options for picnics?

Many Indian picnic recipes are vegetarian, including:

  • Samosas
  • Aloo Tikki
  • Dhokla
  • Paneer Tikka
  • Bhel Puri
  • Vegetable Biryani

How do I pack drinks for a picnic?

For drinks, consider the following:

  • Use insulated bottles to keep beverages cold.
  • Pack flavored water, lemonade, or lassi in sealed containers.
  • Bring along disposable cups or reusable tumblers for easy serving.

Are there any gluten-free picnic recipes?

Yes! Many Indian recipes can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flours or ingredients. For example:

  • Dhokla (using besan)
  • Coconut laddoos (using grated coconut and condensed milk)

Always check the labels of packaged ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

How can I make my picnic more enjoyable?

To enhance your picnic experience:

  • Choose a scenic location with plenty of shade.
  • Bring along games or activities for entertainment.
  • Pack a comfortable blanket or seating.
  • Consider creating a themed picnic with decorations and specific cuisines.

What should I consider when planning a picnic menu?

When planning a picnic menu, consider:

  • The number of people attending.
  • Dietary restrictions and preferences (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free).
  • The ease of preparation and transport of dishes.
  • Foods that can be enjoyed at room temperature or cold.

Can I use regular cooking oil for frying snacks for the picnic?

Yes, you can use regular cooking oil such as sunflower oil, mustard oil, or refined oil for frying snacks like samosas and aloo tikki. Choose oils with high smoke points for better frying results.

How long can I keep picnic food out before it spoils?

Generally, perishable foods should not be left out at room temperature for more than two hours. If the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), reduce this time to one hour. Always prioritize food safety to avoid spoilage.

 

Conclusion

Picnics are an excellent way to enjoy delicious food while spending quality time outdoors with loved ones—and Indian cuisine offers an array of flavorful dishes perfect for such occasions! From savory snacks like samosas and aloo tikki to sweet treats like coconut laddoos and gulab jamun—these recipes will surely impress your fellow picnickers! By planning ahead using this guide filled with tasty ideas tailored specifically towards outdoor dining experiences—you’ll create memorable moments filled with laughter alongside mouthwatering meals! So gather your ingredients today & get ready for an unforgettable picnic adventure!