The Peppermint Budget Grocery List: Feed 8 People for Under ₹4,000
Budget Grocery List
Hosting a “Royalty-level” Christmas in India doesn’t require a king’s ransom. In 2025, with vegetable prices cooling down and smart retail competition at an all-time high, you can serve a spectacular feast for 8 people for less than ₹500 per head.
The secret? Forget the imported frozen turkey (which can cost upwards of ₹5,000 alone) and embrace the “Desi-Global Fusion” strategy.
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- The Main: 2.5kg Slow-Roasted Whole Chicken with Spiced Butter & Rosemary.
- The Carbs: Garlic-Infused Smashed Potatoes (using local Pahadi or Jyoti potatoes).
- The Green: Tandoori-Style Charred Cauliflower & Green Peas (Budget-friendly and seasonal).
- The Fresh: Apple, Walnut & Paneer Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette.
- The Dessert: Traditional Plum Cake with Warm Vanilla Custard.
The Shopping List (Estimated Dec 2025 Prices)
| Item | Estimated Price | Why it’s a Winner |
| Whole Chicken (3kg total) | ₹750 | Fresh broiler chicken is juicy, versatile, and 1/10th the price of turkey. |
| Potatoes (3kg) | ₹100 | Potato prices in Dec 2025 are stable (~₹25-30/kg). Perfect for filling up guests. |
| Cauliflower & Peas (2kg) | ₹180 | Peak winter produce is at its cheapest and tastiest right now. |
| Apples, Paneer & Walnuts | ₹650 | Provides that “Premium” crunch and protein for your salad. |
| Plum Cake (750g – 1kg) | ₹900 | A mid-range “Rich Plum Cake” from a local bakery or brand like Winni/FNP. |
| Dairy (Milk, Butter, Cream) | ₹450 | For the herb butter, mashed potatoes, and dessert custard. |
| Spices, Herbs & Aromatics | ₹300 | Fresh coriander, rosemary, garlic, and ginger to “lift” the meal. |
| Beverages (Soft Drinks/Juice) | ₹500 | Fruit punches or carbonated mixers for the table. |
| TOTAL | ₹3,830 | ₹170 Left for a packet of festive tissues and candles! |
3 “Lakhpati Vibes” Cooking Hacks for INR Budgets
- The Butter Baste: Don’t just roast the chicken. Mix Amul butter with garlic and dried herbs, and shove it under the skin. It makes a ₹250/kg chicken taste like a ₹2000 gourmet meal.
- The “Smashed” Trick: Instead of peeling potatoes (boring!), boil them whole, smash them flat with a glass, and fry them with salt and pepper. They look sophisticated and taste like high-end “tapas.”
- The Custard Stretch: Don’t buy expensive icing. Make a simple “Custard Powder” sauce (Weikfield style) and pour it warm over store-bought plum cake. It instantly elevates a dry cake into a “British-style” Christmas pudding.
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