Canada Day | US Independence Day | Spiced Fried Chicken | Perfect Poutine | Chocolate Chip Cookies

July throbs with the spirit of freedom and celebration. As we gather to celebrate the Independence Day of Canada and the USA, our patriotic fire ignites, and we explore the vibrant tapestry of flavors that bring people together. This culinary celebration isn't just about delicious food; it's a symbol of unity, where diverse ingredients seamlessly blend to create a symphony of tastes.

The Freedom of Flavors: Celebrating Independence Day

As we commemorate these days of independence, there's no better way to celebrate than by indulging in culinary creations. Just as the world is diverse, so are the flavors that grace our plates during these festive times. Each bite savored celebrates the cherished freedom to explore, mix, and relish the myriad tastes defining our culinary landscapes. The vibrancy of Independence Day celebrations shines through the colorful dishes that are prepared and shared with others, as we wave flags high. The myriad food ideas for July 1st and July 4th honor culinary traditions with a skillful integration of ingredients and spices from around the globe. These dishes not only provide a variety of flavors to delight our taste buds but also foster togetherness, creating cherished moments with loved ones and enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Here are six delicious recipe ideas that will make your day more special! 

1. Fluffy Chickpea Flour Pancakes

Unite your taste buds with the unique blend of chickpea flour in these festive pancakes, bringing a hint of Indian tradition to beloved Canadian & American breakfasts.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pride of India’s Garbanzo (Chickpea) Flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup milk or water (adjust consistency)
• Maple syrup or honey, for serving

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, baking powder, and salt.
2. Gradually add milk or water, whisking until smooth.
3. Warm a nonstick skillet over medium heat and pour batter onto it to form pancakes.
4. Cook until bubbles form on the surface. Flip and keep cooking until its both sides turn golden brownish.
5. Serve warm with maple syrup or honey. Enjoy your fluffy pancakes!

2. Crispy Spiced Fried Chicken Delight

Celebrate with this crispy and delightful experience, where aromatic garam masala spices up traditional fried chicken, blending Indian flavors with American meals for a festive fusion.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup Garbanzo bean flour
• 2 tablespoons Indian garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk seasoned with salt and pepper (for at least 1 hour).
2. In a separate bowl, mix garbanzo bean flour and garam masala.This mixture will be used for coating the chicken.
3. Warm the vegetable oil in a frying pan.
4. Dredge marinated chicken breasts in the flour mixture, ensuring even coating.
5. Fry chicken breasts in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.The perfect crispy fried chicken is ready to be enjoyed!

3. Perfect Poutine with Hearty Zing of Garam Masala

Elevate your meal experience with the best Poutine recipe, featuring the warm and exotic essence of garam masala, which adds an Indian twist to this classic Canadian comfort food.

Ingredients

• French fries (enough for serving)
• 1 cup Cheese curds, preferably fresh
• 2 cups Gravy (homemade or storebought)
• ½ teaspoon Pride of India’s Garam Masala
• Chopped fresh parsley or green onions

Directions

1. Prepare your French fries by baking or frying until crispy and golden brown.
2. Prepare your favorite Poutine gravy. Add Garam Masala to the gravy and stir well to incorporate the flavors.
3. In a serving dish, start by layering the crispy French fries first. Then, generously sprinkle grated cheese curds over the hot fries so that the cheese begins to melt.
4. Pour the garam masala Poutine gravy over the fries and cheese curds. The heat will help melt the cheese curds further.
5. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the flavorful kick of Garam Masala in this proud Canadian dish!

4. Refreshing Mung Bean and Quinoa Salad

Add vibrant colors and refreshing flavors to the July celebrations with this nutritious salad, enriched by the wholesome goodness of Indian mung beans and tri-color quinoa.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Pride of India’s Tri-color quinoa (rinsed)
• ½ cup green Pride of India’s Green mung beans (rinsed)
• 1 cucumber & bell pepper, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Add quinoa and mung beans with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until water is absorbed and quinoa is tender. After its cooked, let it cool a bit.
2. Add diced cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and mint leaves to the cooled quinoa and mung bean mixture.
3. Whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a dressing. Toss over salad and enjoy!

You can explore other simple and flavorful mung bean and quinoa patties recipe that will delight and elevate your celebratory gatherings, perfect for enjoying alongside burgers or as a crispy, nutritious alternative

5. Chocolate Chip Cookies with Triple Super Seed Mix

Indulge in the sweetness of celebrations with our chocolate chip cookie ingredients that bring the superfood power of chia, flax, and sesame to your nutrition and festive time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Garbanzo bean (chickpea) flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup  Pride of India’s Coconut Sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup Pride of India’s Triple Omega Super seeds Mix

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, whisk together chickpea flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then beat in the egg and vanilla extract
4. Now, add the dry ingredients with wet ingredients, mixing until well combined (avoid overmixing)
5. Now, fold in the dark chocolate chips and super seed mix.
6. Scoop out small balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet,  with some spacing between them.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!

6. Deliciously Creamy Butter Chicken

As a tribute to July celebrations in Indian cuisine, let's indulge in this rich and creamy butter chicken recipe. This classic Indian dish adds an exotic flair to the July festivities and is perfect to be enjoyed with basmati rice.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp Pride of India’s Garam Masala
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, lemon juice, and garam masala for at least 1 hour.
2. In a large pan, melt butter and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden.
3. Add the marinated chicken and cook until done.
4. Stir in tomato puree and heavy cream. Simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and garnish with some fresh cilantro.
6. Serve with warm extra-long golden basmati rice for a wholesome experience.

In essence, let this July be a celebration of freedom and flavors! As Canada Day and USA Independence Day unite us through a culinary journey that blends traditions and flavors, from the zesty crunch of spiced fried chicken to the comforting allure of traditional poutine, and the exotic richness of butter chicken, each dish pays homage to diverse culinary heritages and fosters togetherness. Let this month be a time to embrace the spirit of Freedom's feast. Let us cherish the moments of joy and camaraderie that food brings. Whether enjoying wholesome chickpea flour pancakes for breakfast or ending the day with decadent chocolate chip cookies enriched with super seed mix, each bite signifies more than just a meal. May this July be filled with pride, joy, and delicious moments shared with everyone.

Happy Celebrating!