A Sweet Tribute to Dad: Sanjeev Kapoor’s Balushahi for Father’s Day.

Celebrate with a timeless Indian dessert that blends tradition, effort, and love.

Father’s Day is just around the corner, falling on June 21 this year, and many of us are searching for ways to make the day extra special. While gifts and greetings are thoughtful, nothing quite matches the warmth of preparing something homemade. For those who want to surprise their dad with a treat that speaks to tradition and indulgence, celebrity chef Sanjeev Kapoor’s signature balushahi is the perfect choice.

Unlike quick desserts such as cakes or doughnuts, balushahi is a delicacy that requires patience and care. Its flaky texture and rich sweetness make it a festive dish, and the effort that goes into its preparation reflects the love behind it. With a cook time of about an hour, this recipe is ideal for a Sunday celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups refined flour (maida)
• 2 cups sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• 6 tablespoons ghee
• 4 tablespoons yoghurt
• 4 tablespoons milk
• A pinch of saffron
• Pistachios and dried rose petals for garnish

Method

Start by sifting the flour into a bowl. Mix in baking soda, salt, and ghee until crumbly. Add yoghurt and a little milk to form a soft dough, then cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 45 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup by boiling sugar with water. Add milk to remove impurities, then cook until it reaches a two-string consistency. Stir in saffron and allow the syrup to cool slightly.

Divide the dough into small balls, pressing a gentle dent in the centre of each. Heat ghee in a kadai and fry the dough balls slowly on low heat until golden brown. Drain them on absorbent paper and let them cool.

Once cooled, soak the balushahis in warm sugar syrup and sprinkle with pistachios. Leave them to absorb the syrup for a couple of hours. Finally, arrange them on a serving plate, drizzle with syrup, and garnish with rose petals and more pistachios.

A Celebration of Effort

Balushahi is more than just a sweet: it’s a symbol of care and tradition. Preparing it for Father’s Day is a heartfelt gesture that goes beyond the ordinary, offering a taste of home and heritage. This year, skip the store-bought desserts and surprise your dad with a dish that’s as rich in flavour as it is in sentiment.