Savoring Tradition: Makar Sankranti And Lohri Special Recipes

Get ready to enjoy the warmth of Lohri and the spirit of Makar Sankranti as we step into this new year. As the winter starts to fade and warmer winds arrive, these festivals paint the sky with vibrant kites, bonfires, and bring communities together in a tapestry of tradition and joy. They not only mark the astronomical shift into longer days but also highlight the essence of gratitude for the harvest season. 

Makar Sankranti, also known as the festival of kites, marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. Celebrated across India with various names and cultural nuances, it signifies the shift in the season with the arrival of longer days and warmer weather. Lohri, is a harvest festival, predominantly celebrated in North India This festival holds great significance for farmers. The festival is characterized by various rituals, the most iconic being the lighting of bonfires. People gather around these bonfires, sing traditional folk songs, dance the bhangra and gidda, and throw offerings like sesame seeds, jaggery, and peanuts into the fire as a symbol of giving back to nature. Both these festivals are steeped in cultural traditions and joyous celebrations. Kite-flying competitions, bonfires, and the exchange of sweets and greetings are common rituals that bring communities together.

Amidst the festive cheer and cultural exuberance, one cannot ignore the delightful array of Lohri and Makar Sankranti special recipes that grace our tables during these celebrations. Join us on this culinary journey, where we unravel a few healthy meals that make these festivals so special. Savor the flavors of these recipes with a touch of health with Danfe Foods.

Til ke Laddu

Til ke laddu, or sesame seed sweet balls, are a delightful winter treat in households. These ladoos become the epitome of festive indulgence during the joyous Lohri festival celebration. Made from roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, and a touch of ghee, these bite-sized delights offer a perfect blend of nuttiness and sweetness. The earthy aroma of toasted sesame seeds fills the kitchen as they are skillfully combined with molten jaggery to form a sticky, flavorful mixture.

Here’s a healthy recipe for guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jaggery
• 1/2 cup roasted Sesame Seeds
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp almonds
• 1 tbsp cashews 

Instructions:

• Roast the sesame seeds in a pan. Keep them aside to cool down.
• Now heat ghee in a pan.
• Then, add jaggery until it melts completely. Slow down the flame.
• After the jaggery has melted, add the sesame seeds, cardamom powder, crushed almonds and cashews. Mix together.
• Turn off the gas and allow the mixture to cool down a bit.
• Now grease your hands and shape the mixture in laddoos.
• Store these laddoos in an airtight container and enjoy them with your loved ones.

Khichdi

Khichdi, a humble yet hearty dish, takes center stage in the Makar Sankranti recipes; it is one of the most popular dishes for Makar Sankranti.

This simple amalgamation of rice and lentils, seasoned with ghee and aromatic spices, symbolizes the spirit of unity and togetherness. Khichdi, with its nourishing and comforting presence, mirrors the essence of the festival, bringing families together to share a meal that signifies purity, prosperity, and the harmonious blend of flavors that mark the onset of a new season.

Let’s learn to cook this comforting and wholesome one-pot Makar Sankranti meal.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup Moong dal
• 1 cup rice
• ½ inch piece ginger 
• 1-2 chopped green chili
• A pinch of hing (Asafoetida)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 2/3 tsp coriander powder
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves
• 1/2” cinnamon stick
• 5-6 black peppercorns
• 1-2 black cardamom

Instructions:

• Wash and soak the moong dal and rice separately for 1 hour.
• Heat ghee in a pressure cooker and temper your masalas, cumin seeds, and hing followed by crushed ginger and green chili.
• Saute the mix for a minute or two.
• Now add the drained dal with salt, red chili and coriander powder.
• Roast the dal for 5 minutes.
• Now add the rice with water.
• Add sal as per taste and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles. Let it shimmer for some time.
• Khichdi is ready to be savored!

Sarson da Saag

Sarson da Saag is like a special dish that steals the show during winters specially during Lohri and Makar Sankranti. This dish isn’t just about delicious flavors; it’s a part of our culture, something our families have enjoyed for years. When you have a plate of this warm dish during these festivals, it’s not just food; it’s a tasty symbol of coming together, celebrating the harvest, and enjoying the good times.

Let’s learn to cook this Makar Sankranti and lohri special dish.

Ingredients:

• 750 gms sarson saag
• 250 gms palak saag
• 250 gms bathua saag
• 2 cups water with a pinch of salt1
• 1/2 cup makki atta
• 4 green chilies
• 25 gms ginger
• 2 onions
• 6 garlic cloves
• 100 gms ghee
• 1/2 tsp red pepper powder
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder

Instructions:

• Wash the three saags and drain excess water.
• Add the saag, salt and water into pressure cooker & cook over low heat for 1 ½ hours.
• Once cooked squeeze out saag and keep the saag water aside.
• In the same cooker mash the saag until it is coarsely ground, and add makki atta and stir.
• Put back the saag water and a little fresh water & boil over slow flame.
• Add 2 green chilies, half ginger and cook till the saag gets thick.
• To make the tadka, add chopped onions, ginger, garlic, red pepper powder, garam masala, dhania & saute until onions are light brown.
• Now mix it into the saag & garnish with julienne of ginger fried in ghee.
• Serve this sarson da saag, with warm makki ki roti, green chili, sliced radish, and white butter.

As we indulge in these Makar Sankranti and Lohri special foods, let’s not forget the essence of these occasions – the joy of sharing, bonding, and giving thanks for the bountiful harvest. These recipes not only tantalize our taste buds but also serve as a reminder of the rich cultural tapestry that weaves us all together.

So, this festive season, gather your loved ones, fly colorful kites, light the bonfire, and savor these traditional treats and enjoy the festivities. Let the warmth of the season and the aroma of these special recipes create lasting memories. 

Happy Makar Sankranti and Lohri! May your celebrations be as sweet as jaggery and as vibrant as the kites in the sky!

To learn more about healthy snack ideas click here.