Dussehra is a time for celebration, stories of good winning over evil, and of course, delicious food! As families gather to share meals and happiness, using top-notch ingredients like Highland Farms’ fresh cream and butter can turn good recipes into great feasts. 

Why is this? Well, our fresh cream and butter come straight from happy, free-range cows right here in India. Not just any cows, but native breeds we're helping to protect. This makes our dairy not just tasty but also kind to our planet.

So, get ready to cook some mouth-watering dishes with a twist this Dussehra. Whether it’s sweets that melt in your mouth or rich, creamy curries, our fresh cream and butter will add that perfect touch. Stay tuned for some exciting recipes that are easy to make and fun to eat, making your festive season distinctive with Highland Farms!

The Richness of Fresh Cream and Butter

When you think of Dussehra, you think of excitement, colorful decorations, and the most important part, yummy food! At Highland Farms, we bring you the best part of the feast: fresh cream and butter, made from the milk of free-roaming native cows. These cows aren’t just any cows; they are part of our effort to take care of India’s beautiful breeds.

Why does this matter for your cooking? Because fresh cream and butter from happy cows means tastier, richer, and more authentic flavors for your festive dishes. Think creamy butter melting over hot, fluffy rotis or fresh cream swirling into a sweet kheer. Our products are all about adding that special touch to your food that makes your family smile during these festive times.

This Dussehra, let's make your meals extra special with Highland Farms’ dairy. Trust us, your dishes will not just taste good, they’ll feel good too, because they're made with care and respect for our land and animals. 

Related: Healthy Navratri Fasting with Highland Farms’ A2 Desi Cow Milk and Low Fat Paneer

Traditional Dussehra Recipes with a Twist

Dussehra, the vibrant Indian festival marking the victory of good over evil, is also a time for enjoying delicious food with family and friends. At Highland Farms, we take pride in offering fresh cream that's as pure as the festive spirit, made from the milk of free-range native cows. This year, why not add a twist to traditional recipes using our rich fresh cream? Here are five beloved Indian recipes enhanced by the creamy goodness of Highland Farms fresh cream.

Festive Recipes Using Fresh Cream

1. Shahi Paneer 

A royal treat! Shahi paneer is a favorite for its thick, creamy gravy and soft paneer cubes. To make it even richer, stir in Highland Farms fresh cream towards the end of cooking. It gives the gravy a velvety texture and a lovely sheen that makes the dish festive-special.

Ingredients for Shahi Paneer

• Paneer (Cottage Cheese) Cubes: 250 grams, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Onions: 2 medium, roughly chopped
• Tomatoes: 3 large, roughly chopped
• Cashews: 15-20, soaked in water for 20 minutes
• Spices:
• Cardamom: 4 pods
• Cloves: 4-5
• Cinnamon: One 2-inch stick
• Highland Farms Fresh Cream: 100 ml, for that rich, creamy texture
• Cooking Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for richer flavor)
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: According to taste
• Red Chilli Powder: 1 teaspoon (adjust according to your spice preference)
• Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Garam Masala: 1/2 teaspoon, to sprinkle at the end
• Fresh Coriander Leaves: A handful, chopped, for garnishing

Method to Prepare Shahi Paneer

Prepare the Base Gravy:

• Heat oil in a pan on medium flame. Add butter if using.
• Add the whole spices – cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Sauté for a few seconds until they start to sizzle and release their aroma.
• Add chopped onions and cook until they turn golden brown. This may take about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
• Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and oil begins to separate from the mixture, about 6-8 minutes.
• Add turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring well.
• Turn off the heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. Add the soaked cashews to this mixture.

Blend the Mixture:

• Once cooled, transfer the onion-tomato-spice mixture to a blender. Blend it to a smooth, creamy paste. You can add a little water if the mixture is too thick.

Cook with Paneer and Fresh Cream:

• Return the blended gravy to the pan. Add a little water to adjust the consistency if it’s too thick.
• Bring the gravy to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Add salt to taste.
• Gently add the paneer cubes to the gravy. Let them cook in the gravy for about 5 minutes so the paneer becomes soft and absorbs the flavors.
• Lower the flame and pour in Highland Farms fresh cream. Mix gently to avoid breaking the paneer cubes.
• Allow the dish to simmer for another 1-2 minutes. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary.

Garnish and Serve:

• Sprinkle garam masala over the curry before turning off the heat. Give it a light mix.
• Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with naan, roti, or rice for a truly delightful meal.

2. Malai Kofta

Soft, melt-in-your-mouth kofta balls in a creamy sauce make malai kofta a festive favorite. Using Highland Farms fresh cream, the gravy gains an irresistible creaminess that complements the softness of the koftas perfectly.

Ingredients for Malai Kofta

• For Koftas:
• Paneer (Cottage Cheese): 100 grams, crumbled
• Potatoes: 2 medium, boiled and mashed
• Cornflour: 2 tablespoons, for binding
• Raisins and Cashews: A handful, chopped (optional, for stuffing)
• Green Chillies: 1-2, finely chopped
• Salt: According to taste
• Oil: For deep frying
• For Gravy:
• Onions: 2 medium, finely chopped
• Tomatoes: 3 large, pureed
• Ginger-Garlic Paste: 1 tablespoon
• Cashew Paste: 50 grams, made from soaked and blended cashews
• Highland Farms Fresh Cream: 100 ml
• Red Chilli Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
• Coriander Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Garam Masala: 1/2 teaspoon
• Kasuri Methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tablespoon, crushed
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional, to balance acidity)
• Salt: According to taste
• Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Butter: 1 tablespoon (optional, for richer flavor)
• Fresh Coriander Leaves: For garnishing

Recipe to Prepare Malai Kofta

1. Prepare the Koftas:
• In a mixing bowl, combine crumbled paneer, mashed potatoes, cornflour, chopped raisins, cashews (if using), green chillies, and salt. Mix well to form a smooth dough.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape each portion into a smooth ball.
• Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Carefully drop the kofta balls into the hot oil and fry until golden brown. Remove and drain on absorbent paper.
2. Prepare the Gravy:
• Heat oil and butter in a pan on medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
• Pour in the tomato puree and cook until oil begins to separate from the mixture.
• Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, and cashew paste. Mix well and cook for 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
• Add water to adjust the consistency of the gravy and bring it to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add sugar if using.
• Stir in Highland Farms fresh cream and kasuri methi. Cook for another 2 minutes, then season with salt.
3. Assemble and Serve:
• Add the fried koftas to the gravy just before serving (to keep them from getting too soft).
• Sprinkle garam masala over the gravy and mix gently.
• Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with naan, paratha, or jeera rice for a luxurious meal that captures the essence of Dussehra festivities with the richness of Highland Farms fresh cream.

3. Rabri

This thick, sweet dessert made from slow-cooked milk is a treat in itself. Stir in fresh cream to add a layer of richness that makes every spoonful divine.

Ingredients for Rabri

• Full-fat Milk: 1 liter
• Sugar: 100 grams, adjust to taste
• Saffron Strands: A few for natural coloring and aroma
• Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon, for flavor
• Highland Farms Fresh Cream: 50 ml, for an extra lush texture
• Chopped Nuts: Optional (almonds, pistachios) for garnish
• Rose Water: 1 teaspoon, for fragrance (optional)

Recipe to Prepare Rabri

1. Prepare the Milk:
• Pour the milk into a heavy-bottomed pan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low.
• Add saffron strands to the milk for a beautiful color and rich flavor.
2. Simmer and Scrape:
• Allow the milk to simmer on low heat. As the milk thickens, cream will form on the surface. Gently move this cream to the sides of the pan with a spatula.
• Continue this process until the milk is reduced to half of its original volume. This will take about 1-1.5 hours, depending on the heat and size of your pan.
3. Flavor the Milk:
• Add sugar and cardamom powder to the thickened milk and stir well.
• If using, add rose water for an enhanced aroma.
4. Finish with Fresh Cream:
• Once the milk is thick and creamy, turn off the heat and stir in Highland Farms fresh cream for a velvety texture.
• Let the mixture cool down a bit before transferring it to a serving dish.
5. Garnish and Chill:
• Garnish with chopped nuts if desired.
• Refrigerate for a few hours until chilled. Rabri tastes best when served cold.

4. Mango Cream 

Fresh cream finds its sweet partner in mangoes. Whip Highland Farms fresh cream and layer it with mango puree for a refreshing and indulgent dessert.

Ingredients for Mango Cream

• Ripe Mangoes: 3-4 large, yielding about 2 cups of puree
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons or to taste (adjust based on the sweetness of the mangoes)
• Highland Farms Fresh Cream: 200 ml, chilled and whipped until soft peaks form

Recipe to Prepare Mango Cream

1. Prepare the Mango Puree:
• Peel the mangoes and chop the flesh into chunks. Discard the stone.
• Blend the mango chunks in a blender or food processor until smooth. If the mangoes aren't very sweet, add sugar while blending.
2. Whip the Cream:
• In a large bowl, take the chilled Highland Farms fresh cream.
• Using an electric mixer or a whisk, whip the cream along with a little sugar until it forms soft peaks. Be careful not to overbeat.
3. Layer the Dessert:
• In serving glasses or a large dessert bowl, start with a layer of mango puree.
• Gently spoon a layer of whipped cream over the puree.
• Repeat the layers until all components are used up, finishing with a layer of whipped cream on top.
4. Chill and Serve:
• Refrigerate the dessert for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Garnish with some mango chunks or mint leaves before serving for a refreshing and indulgent treat.

Celebratory Dishes with Fresh Butter

1. Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala, also known as Butter Paneer, is a beloved dish across India, cherished for its creamy, rich, and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce and soft, succulent pieces of paneer. The buttery texture, coupled with aromatic spices, makes it an irresistible part of any meal, particularly during festive occasions. It's a harmonious blend of traditional Indian flavors with a comforting, creamy consistency that appeals to a wide array of taste preferences.

Ingredients for Paneer Butter Masala

1. 250g Paneer (cubed)
2. 3 medium-sized Tomatoes (chopped)
3. 2 Onions (finely chopped)
4. 4 cloves of Garlic (minced)
5. 1 inch Ginger (grated)
6. 200 ml Fresh Cream
7. 2 tbsp Highland Farms Butter
8. 1 tsp Garam Masala
9. 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
10. 1/2 tsp Turmeric
11. Salt to taste

Recipe to Prepare Paneer Butter Masala

1. Heat Highland Farms butter in a pan and sauté onions, ginger, and garlic until golden brown.
2. Add chopped tomatoes, chili powder, turmeric, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are mushy.
3. Blend the mixture to a smooth paste and return to the pan. Add paneer cubes and fresh cream, simmer on low heat until the paneer is tender and the gravy thickens.
4. Finish with garam masala and a dollop of butter for extra richness.
5. Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro.

2. Dal Makhani

Dal Makhani is a staple in North Indian cuisine, known for its rich, hearty, and comforting taste. This dish combines black lentils and kidney beans simmered in a buttery, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic spices. It's a slow-cooked delight that offers depth of flavor and a velvety texture, making it a luxurious addition to any meal.

Ingredients for Dal Makhani

1. 1 cup Black Lentils
2. 1/4 cup Kidney Beans
3. 1 Onion (chopped)
4. 2 Tomatoes (pureed)
5. 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
6. 1 inch Ginger (grated)
7. 1/4 cup Cream
8. 3 tbsp Highland Farms Butter
9. 1 tsp Garam Masala
10. Salt to taste

Recipe to Prepare Dal Makhani

1. Soak lentils and kidney beans overnight. Cook in a pressure cooker until soft.
2. Heat butter in a pan, add onions, garlic, and ginger, sauté until translucent. Add tomato puree and cook until oil separates.
3. Add cooked lentils and beans, simmer with a cup of water for 20 minutes.
4. Stir in cream, butter, and garam masala, cook for another 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot with a butter float on top.

3. Butter Naan

Butter Naan is a soft, fluffy flatbread that pairs perfectly with any rich, saucy Indian dish. Baked to golden perfection and brushed with melted Highland Farms butter, it offers a delightful crispiness with a soft, chewy interior, making it an essential at any Indian dining table.

Ingredients for Butter Naan

1. 2 cups All-purpose Flour
2. 1 tsp Sugar
3. 1/2 tsp Salt
4. 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
5. 1/2 cup Yogurt
6. 2 tbsp Highland Farms Butter (melted)

Recipe to Prepare Butter Naan

1. Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Add yogurt and knead into a smooth dough. Let it rest for 2 hours.
2. Divide the dough into balls, roll into oval shapes.
3. Heat a tava, place the rolled dough, cook until bubbles form, then brush with butter and flip to cook the other side.
4. Serve hot brushed with more Highland Farms butter.

4. Carrot Halwa

Carrot Halwa, or Gajar Ka Halwa, is a classic Indian dessert made from grated carrots that are cooked with milk, sugar, and butter, and garnished with nuts and raisins. This sweet, dense pudding has a deep orange color and a delicious mix of textures from the soft carrots and crunchy nuts.

Ingredients for Carrot Halwa

1. 500g Carrots (grated)
2. 1 liter Milk
3. 150g Sugar
4. 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
5. 50g Almonds (chopped)
6. 50g Raisins
7. 4 tbsp Highland Farms Butter

Recipe to Prepare Carrot Halwa

1. In a heavy-bottomed pan, cook grated carrots in milk until the milk is fully absorbed.
2. Add sugar and butter, cook on a low flame until the mixture thickens.
3. Stir in cardamom powder, nuts, and raisins.
4. Serve warm or cold, garnished with more nuts.

5. Roasted Spiced Potatoes

Roasted Spiced Potatoes are a vibrant and spicy side dish featuring crispy potato cubes tossed with aromatic spices and roasted to perfection. The addition of Highland Farms butter ensures each potato piece is evenly coated with spices and cooked to a crispy finish.

Ingredients for Roasted Spiced Potatoes

1. 500g Potatoes (cubed and parboiled)
2. 1 tsp Turmeric
3. 1 tsp Chili Powder
4. 1 tsp Coriander Powder
5. 3 tbsp Highland Farms Butter

Recipe to Prepare Roasted Spiced Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Toss parboiled potatoes with turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and melted butter.
3. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25-30 minutes or until crispy and golden.
4. Serve hot, sprinkled with fresh coriander.

Why Choose Highland Farms?

When you pick Highland Farms, you’re not just buying our products, you’re bringing home the goodness of the Indian countryside. Our butter is crafted from the milk of free-roaming native cows, looked after with great care. This not only makes our butter rich and creamy but also ensures it’s packed with honest goodness.

At Highland Farms, we're dedicated to protecting Indian cow breeds, promoting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable farming practices. This means every dollop of our fresh butter not only enhances your meals but also supports environmental care and animal welfare.

So, this Dussehra, let Highland Farms butter add a special touch to your festive cooking. Enjoy flavors that care for both your family and our planet. Choose well, choose Highland Farms.

Related: How A2 Desi Cow Ghee Can Help You Shed Kilos