Garima Johar Has been updated: June 15, 2024
This year Father’s Day falls on Sunday, July 16. While you might be planning a lavish surprise, a thoughtful gift is what will really make your dad happy. Here are some special grandma recipes you can try to make your dad’s day extra special.

While everyone is making a big fuss about Mother’s Day, dad’s quiet support often goes unnoticed. But with Father’s Day fast approaching, now’s your chance to make your dad feel like the superhero he’s always been. Discounts on a weekend trip to the movies, the mall, and restaurants might be tempting, but as the saying goes, “to win a man’s heart, win his stomach.”
So, what better way to show your dad how much you care than by cooking him a meal. And what’s better than your dad’s favorite food? Yes, your grandma’s cooking. If you need some inspiration, here are some of your grandma’s favorite recipes to give your dad a taste of the authentic Indian flavors.
No matter what part of India you live in, parathas are a staple breakfast made and enjoyed in every Indian household. To surprise your dad with breakfast in bed or a heavy brunch, you can make parathas just like your grandma used to make. Depending on your filling preference, choose your veggies, knead and cook the wheat-based dough, and serve it with achar and yogurt.
There’s nothing better than serving up maakhi dal or dal makhani and having your dad reminisce about your mom’s cooking. Dal makhani made with black lentils and rajma is a traditional Indian dish that you can make for lunch or dinner. Slowly simmer the dal in a blend of butter, cream and spices to ensure that all the flavours are thoroughly infused. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and pour the cream in a circular shape. Finally, serve with naan or roti.
Rajma Chawal is more than just a dish; it is a comforting dish that gives everyone a homely feeling. This Father’s Day, prepare some aromatic rajma with jeera rice for a sumptuous meal. The combination of kidney beans and rice cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy is truly something special. For a more indulgent experience, you can also serve it with a bowl of boondi raita.
Dahi tadka is an authentic Indian dish that your grandma would have made. Now it’s time to make the same dish for your dad. Made with dahi and tempered spices, this dish has a tangy yet refreshing taste. Serve it with freshly cooked rice or roti for a delicious lunch or dinner.
For a hearty dessert, try halwa, a traditional Indian sweet. The beauty of making halwa is the variety of ingredients you can choose from when making the dessert. From grains like atta and sooji to vegetables like peta and lauki, you can choose your dad’s favourites to make a sumptuous halwa. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped dry fruits to make it extra indulgent.
North Indian Kheer and South Indian Payasam are some of the most popular and authentic desserts. Kheer, a thick pudding made from boiled milk, rice and sugar, is a favorite in almost every household. Garnished with chopped dry fruits and nuts, this dessert will make your Father’s Day special.
