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A celebratory menu of dishes from Meera Sodha’s Made in India and Fresh India

by Lottie Huckle

published on 30 November 2016, last updated on 19 August 2025

Find all of the inspiration you need for your next dinner party with this collection of dishes from Meera Sodha. Extracted from Made in India and Fresh India, the recipes are designed to complement each other to create a menu complete with a starter, centrepiece, sides and dessert, with options for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. Vibrant, layered with flavour and celebratory enough for a special occasion, the dishes include plenty of make-ahead elements to help take the stress out of entertaining. So, whether you’re planning a Diwali gathering, a birthday dinner, or an alternative Christmas feast, scroll on to check out the full menu.

Chilli Paneer

Chilli Paneer

Meera’s take on this street food favourite can be served as a starter or side dish. Featuring golden-fried cubes of paneer with a warming chilli kick, it all comes together quickly in the pan so no need to sweat over any lengthy preparation.

From the book

Meera Sodha

Quick Peshwari Roti

Quick Peshwari Roti

Meera’s easy recipe and no-fuss method means these Peshwari roti can be on the table in next to no time (and they’ll be devoured in even less). 

Meera Sodha’s Grand Vegetable Biryani

Meera Sodha’s Grand Vegetable Biryani

Packed with spiced paneer, chickpeas, roasted vegetables and a tangy coconut and coriander sauce, this grand vegetable biryani is the meat-free centrepiece of dreams.

Lamb Raan

Lamb Raan

This minimum input, maximum return dish is just what you need for a dinner party centrepiece. The warmly spiced leg of lamb is prepared the day before and then, on the day of serving, finished off with ease.

Maharajah’s Rice

Maharajah’s Rice

Jewelled with fruit, nuts and saffron, this rice dish pairs perfectly with the lamb raan.

Gulab Jamuns in Saffron Syrup

Gulab Jamuns in Rose Syrup

Finish up your Indian feast in style with these traditional favourites, gulab jamuns. These pretty little milky doughnuts can be made up to a week in advance and keep happily in the fridge.

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