Growing up, every winter I looked forward to Lohri festival. Not only because of the food and festivities but also because we kids were suppose to sing a traditional Punjabi Song called ‘ Sanu De Lohri’ and got money from our parents, neighbors, uncles and aunts. A key feature of Lohri is the bonfire. People gather around bonfires in their community and sing songs, dance and enjoy good food. Gifts are also exchanged and first Lohri of a new bride or newly born child is especially considered auspicious.
Several traditions and customs are associated with Lohri like the story of Dulla Bhatti, tradition of wearing new clothes and for farmers it signifies the commencement of a new financial year.The origins of Lohri are many and link the festival to Punjab region of India. Many people believe the festival was originally celebrated on winter solstice day, being the shortest day and the longest night of the year. While Lohri is being celebrated on Jan 13th 2014 in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttrakhand and Jammu, the rest of India gears up for Makar Sakranti on Jan 14th 2014.
Whether you plant to celebrate Lohri this year or not, their is no reason to not enjoy these delicious foods made and enjoyed during the winter months to celebrate love, life and happiness.
1. Saag: Saag or Sag is a leaf-based Indian curry usually enjoyed with Makki di Roti. IT is made using spinach, Mustard leafs, Rapini and lots of ginger and garlic. It is healthy and nutritious.
2. Makki Ki Roti : This Indian style Corn Flour Bread (unleaveaned) called Makki ki Roti is hands down one of the most popular foods in Northern India especially Punjab during winter months. Makki ki Roti is traditionally eaten with Saag (Indian Curry made with Mustard leaves) but you can enjoy this healthy bread with any curry of your choice. This Roti is soft, fresh and healthy. Watch this recipe video of Makki Di Roti to master this roti making technique. All you need is : Corn Flour ( any of your choice) , Luke Warm Water to prepare dough, Hot Tawa (skillet/pan) and some Butter/ Ghee to spread on the Roti.
3. Peanut Chikki : Peanut Chikki is basically like a peanut brittle except that it is made with jaggery (Gur) instead of sugar. You can easily make Peanut chikki at home which is a popular Indian snack during winter months and specially during Makar Sakranti. It is also known as Sing chikki, Gachak or moongfali Chikki (Mumfali Chikki), homemade Peanut bar or sengdana chikki,
Chikki is generally made from groundnuts and jaggery. It is a great homemade food gift as well as better than candy, snack to satisfy the sweet tooth.
In regions of North India, especially Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, this sweet is called Layyiya Patti, being also very popular in Brazil, where it is known as pé-de-moleque, and in Paraguay, where it is called Ka’í Ladrillo.
4. Gobi Da Achaar: What is life without spice? During winter months when Cauliflower is available in abundance and everyone feels blue, this Punjabi Gobi Da Achaar is a perfect pickle to make and enjoy with your meals.
5. Til Ladoo : Another Popular sweet during Makar Sakranti and Lohri, Til Ladoos are made out of Sesame Seeds. This Nutritious sweet is great as a gift, good for sharing with company and to ward off chills and cold during winter. So, turn on your fireplace, make a cup of Chai Tea and enjoy these little treats.
6. Panjiri : Calorie filled recipe for Wheat flour snack called Panjiri in Punjabi is a traditional food good for Pregnant ladies and lactating new moms. It is said that it helps labour and delivery and is good to eat during cold winter months as well. Panjiri is also called Dabra or sudola in regional dialects. I remember our house was filled with boxes and containers of homemade Panjiri’s when my brother was born and it was his first Lohri. No wonder, this delightful treat has a soft spot in my heart and everytime Lohri is around, I miss my brother who lives continents away from me.
7. Meethe Chawal: My mom made these flavorful sweet rice called Meethe Chawal during special occasions or when company was coming over.. This is a popular Punjabi rice dish and you can add dallops of Ghee on it to make it even more tasty.
8. Gajar Da Halwa: Who doesn’t love delicious Carrot Pudding (also called Gajrela) called Gajar Da Halwa. Try our version of this popular Indian sweet, this Lohri to make your day extra special. All you need for this dessert is full fat milk, carrots, sugar, cardamom pwd, dry fruit and whipped cream.
9. Instant Carrot Pickle – If you are pressed for time or don’t want to spend hours and hours making pickle then try this Instant version of Carrot Pickle which is equally tasty and great way to consume Carrots.
10. Masala Gobhi – Not a big fan of sweet dishes? Well no problem. How about making some Masala Gobhi to enjoy with fresh homemade roti. Quick, easy and flavourful, this Cauliflower dish is made in our house regularly.
11. Punjabi Kheer: This wonderful Indian dessert is one of the most popular sweet made during Lohri and can be enjoyed sweet or cold. It is prepared using milk, rice, sugar, saffron and green cardamom. Are your ready to enjoy some Kheer this winter?
12. Coconut Burfi : A very simple Coconut burfi recipe made from only a few ingredients: condensed milk, coconut, and cardamom powder. This is a really yummy and quick dessert to satisfy your sweet cravings after a good Indian meal. One of my favorite Indian Mithai. It is quite easy so I have listed the method for its preparation below:
Heat a pan and add tbsp of butter. Let it melt.
Add 14 oz can of condensed milk and 14 oz pack of sweet coconut flakes. Combine the ingredients in the pan. add cardamom powder and let everything cook for 5-6 mins.
Add dry fruit and then transfer on to a pan greased with butter/ghee. Spread evenly and cut in equal portions. Place in the fridge and let it set for about 2 hours.
Serve when completely set to your friends and family.
13. Mix Pakore : While Indian festivals are well known for the fact that their are abundance of sweets, it’s always nice to have few salthy snacks on the menu and these mixed Pakoras are to die for. These mouth watering Indian fritters (bhajiyā, bhajji) are made using onions, potatoes, spinach etc. Imagine yourself sitting a round bonfire (or fireplace like in my case this year), sipping cup of Chai tea on cold winter evening and eating sweet Til Ladoos and mixed Pakoras while your family members are dancing and singing along. Can life get any better 🙂
Wishing all our friends, family, subscribers and fans a very Happy Lohri 2014 and wonderful Makar Sakranti. May this New year be filled with joy and prosperity for you all. Love from our kitchen to yours.
meethe chawal is new one , never heard of it must try it.
They are delicious. Give them a go 🙂