Traditional Recipes to Spice Up Your Lohri Festivities!

Lohri, the vibrant harvest festival of Punjab, brings with it a wave of warmth, joy, and of course, delicious food! Winter days are full of healthy foods. East as much healthy food as you can. You can try different recipes of your choice. Here are some traditional recipes to add a spicy kick to your Lohri celebrations

• Til gajak
• Bajra Roti
• Sarson Ka Saag 
• Gud Ki Khee

Til gajak

Til Gajak, the sweet and nutty sesame cubes, is a must-have treat for Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and other winter festivities. Here is a quick and easy recipe to wrap up this delightful treat:

Ingredients:

1. 1 cup white sesame seeds (til)
2. 1/2 cup jaggery (gur)
3. 1/4 cup water
4. 1/2 tsp ghee (optional)

Instructions:

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds over medium heat until fragrant and slightly browned.
2. While the seeds are roasting, break the jaggery into small pieces and put it in a separate pan with water. Heat over medium heat until the jaggery dissolves and forms a syrup.
3. Add the roasted sesame seeds to the jaggery syrup and stir well. Cook for a couple of minutes until the mixture thickens.
4. pour the mixture onto a greased plate or baking sheet and spread it evenly. Let it cool and harden, then break it into pieces.

Bajra Roti

Bajra Roti is a traditional Maharashtrian flatbread made with pearl millet flour and sesame seeds. It is a healthy and delicious option that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Ingredients:

1. 2 cups bajra flour (pearl millet flour)
2. 1/2 cup sesame seeds
3. 1 teaspoon salt
4. 1/2 cup warm water

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the bajra flour, sesame seeds, and salt.
2. Add the warm water and mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic.
4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
6. Divide the dough into 10 equal pieces.
7. Roll each piece of dough into a thin circle.
8. Cook the rotis for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. Serve the rotis hot with your favourite curry or dal.

Sarson Ka Saag:

Sarson ka Saag, the earthy and spicy mustard greens curry, is a quintessential dish for Lohri, the Punjabi harvest festival. Its robust flavours, vibrant green colour, and warming heat are the perfect way to celebrate the season here a recipe to bring this spicy symphony to your Lohri table

Ingredients:

1. 1 bunch mustard greens (sarson)
2. 1/2 bunch spinach (palak) (optional)
3. 1/4 cup water
4. 2 tbsp cooking oil
5. 1 tsp cumin seeds
6. 1/2 onion, finely chopped
7. 2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to your spice preference)
8. 2 cloves garlic, minced
9. 1 inch ginger, grated
10. 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
11. 1 tsp red chilli powder
12. 1/2 tsp coriander powder
13. 1/4 tsp garam masala powder
14. Salt to taste
15. 1 tbsp cornmeal (makki ka atta) (optional)
16. Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Wash and roughly chop the mustard greens and spinach.
2. In a pressure cooker, combine the chopped greens, water, and salt. Cook on medium heat for 3-4 whistles. Alternatively, you can boil the greens in a pot until tender.
3. While the greens are cooking, heat the oil in a pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Then, add the green chillies, garlic, and ginger. Saute for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and garam masala powder.
6. Stir well to combine.
7. Once the greens are cooked, mash them slightly with a spoon. You can also blend them if you prefer a smoother texture.
8. Add the mashed greens to the pan with the spices. Stir well and cook for 5-7 minutes, letting the flavours meld.
9. Mix the cornmeal with a little water to form a slurry if you prefer a thicker saag. Add it to the pan and cook for a few minutes until the saag thickens.

Gud Ki Kheer

This rich and creamy dessert is a luxurious way to end your Lohri feast. Made with jaggery, milk, rice, and nuts, Gud Ki Kheer is a heartwarming and festive treat. You can adjust the sweetness and thickness to your liking, making it a perfect dessert for everyone.

These recipes are just a starting point, so feel free to get creative and add your personal touch. Let the flavours of Lohri fill your home and celebrate this joyous festival with warmth, laughter, and of course, delicious food!