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Copyright © 2025 Foodies Only
6 Min
15/10/2025
Bhai-dooj is the second-to-last of the most important events of Diwali. It is an occasion where siblings can strengthen their bond over good food and company. This article explores how to prepare thali using quick hacks in under 30 minutes. Dive deeper to know more.
Diwali and all other festivities surrounding the festival are deeply symbolic. Every dish, every occasion has a purpose, from laddoos to rice, to kheel batashe. However, making these dishes requires spending enough time in the kitchen, which can often lead to hectic schedules and limited family time. But there are also options that will not compromise the authenticity of the festival, and yet allow you to spend minimal time in the kitchen and more time with the family. With some hacks, tips and tricks, you can make an elaborate thali and food items that will make your Bhai Dooj celebrations exquisite.
The key to achieving this is balancing. Begin with tasks that don't demand much attention, such as pressure cooking dals or slow simmering halwas, while you prepare other side dishes. You can also save time by precutting vegetables, having ready-to-cook vegetables, and induction setups that can save some crucial minutes. Presentation also plays an essential part during festivities; if you present everything in a presentable manner, even the simplest spread can feel like an elaborate one. Read this article to understand how you can make your Bhai-Dooj special by cooking dishes that require less time yet give the festive vibes, and allow you to spend enough time with your family and siblings.
A traditional Bhai Dooj thali will include a balance of some sweet, savoury grains, and dairy-based dishes. You can have a variety of dishes, including pooris or chapatis, curry or sabzi, dal or kadhi, and sweets like halwa, kheer, or laddoos. You can also have accompaniments like pickle, chutney, salad, and papad. The traditional thali, served on a brass or steel plate, makes for a perfect Bhai Dooj meal! The challenge here, however, is to make all of this without spending hours in the kitchen, and this is where you can make use of these hacks that would help you make thali in under 30 minutes.
It is always better to plan a day before the festival. Soak lentils, chop vegetables, and prepare spice mixes ahead of time. You can also make gravies ahead of time and store them in airtight containers to reheat for meals. Dough for pooris and chapatis can also be made in advance and refrigerated overnight. It could save you up to 20 minutes on the day of the festival.
A single tomato-onion masala can become the base for paneer curry, aloo sabzi, or even a light dal tadka. Similarly, pre-roasted semolina works for both savoury upma and sweet halwa. Instead of preparing separate dishes for each item, focus on adaptable recipes that can be easily modified with small tweaks. This not only reduces cooking time but also ensures the flavours tie the thali together.
No appliance can replace a pressure cooker. You can cook a variety of dishes, including dal, rice, and even desserts, in it. For example, moong dal halwa can be pressure-cooked before being sautéed in ghee, which dramatically cuts down the cooking time. Layered pulao or mixed vegetable curries can also be made in one go using the same pot. This will leave you with evenly cooked dishes in minutes while preserving the traditional taste and aroma that define Indian festive meals.
A festive thali is incomplete without something sweet, but that does not mean you have to spend hours in the kitchen for that. Instant mixes for gulab jamun, semiya kheer, or atta halwa can recreate festive favourites in a fraction of the time. You can also try assembling sweets, such as using store-bought boondi to make quick laddoos or layering crumbled barfi with nuts and saffron syrup for a quick fusion dessert. A clever garnish of silver leaf or chopped pistachios makes sure that it looks every bit traditional.
Even simple dishes can look festive with the correct presentation. Arrange your thali on brass or steel plates, using banana leaves or small bowls for variety. Alternate colours, such as white rice with golden curry or green chutney with orange halwa, can make the meal more vibrant. Keep a diya or marigold flower in the centre for the festive charm. Presentation gives a good impression, and it is often what makes a meal feel like an elaborate celebration, all within just 30 minutes with the right hacks.