Lohri, a significant harvest festival celebrated primarily in North India, is being celebrated today on Sunday, January 14. Marking the culmination of winter and the onset of longer days, Lohri is traditionally observed on the eve of Makar Sankranti, a festival associated with the changing position of the sun. The festival holds cultural importance as families and communities gather around bonfires, dancing and singing to the beat of traditional folk music.
Apart from the fun and frolics, Lohri is also a time for family and friends to come together and indulge in delicious food. This Lohri, elevate your celebrations with some classic recipes that have been passed down through generations.
Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti
A quintessential Punjabi dish, Sarson da Saag is a delectable mustard greens dish, traditionally served with Makki di Roti or cornflour flatbreads.
To prepare Sarson da Saag, boil mustard greens, spinach, and bathua (White goosefoot) leaves until tender. Then, sauté with garlic, green chillies, and ginger in mustard oil. Serve it hot with Makki di Roti, made by combining cornflour, water, and salt into a pliable dough, which is then flattened and cooked on a griddle. The robust flavours of this dish capture the essence of Punjab.
Pindi Chana
Pindi Chana is a spicy and tangy chickpea curry that pairs perfectly with hot puris or bhature. Soak chickpeas overnight, boil until tender, and set aside.
In a pan, sauté onions, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste until golden brown. Add a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, along with a touch of amchoor (dried mango powder). Stir in the boiled chickpeas and let it simmer until the flavours meld together. This hearty dish is a hit during Lohri celebrations.
Gur Ki Roti
Gur Ki Roti, or jaggery-infused flatbreads, are a sweet treat that adds a delightful touch to Lohri festivities.
To make the dough for it, mix whole wheat flour with grated jaggery, ghee, and a pinch of salt. Knead it into a soft consistency. Roll out small portions of the dough into round rotis and cook on a griddle until golden brown. These sweet rotis can be enjoyed on their own or with a dollop of ghee.
Til Gur Ladoo
Til Gur Ladoo, or sesame and jaggery ladoos, are bite-sized delights that are synonymous with Lohri.
In a pan, roast sesame seeds until golden brown. In another pan, melt jaggery to form a syrup-like consistency. Combine the roasted sesame seeds with the jaggery syrup and shape the mixture into small round ladoos. These sweet treats are not only delicious but also symbolise the warmth and sweetness of the festival.
Gajak
No Lohri celebration is complete without Gajak, a traditional sweet made from sesame seeds, peanuts, and jaggery.
To prepare sesame gajak, roast sesame seeds and mix them with melted jaggery. Spread the mixture on a greased surface, flatten it, and let it cool. Once set, cut it into squares. The result is a crunchy and sweet delicacy that perfectly complements the festive spirit of Lohri.
These traditional recipes not only showcase the rich culinary heritage of Punjab but also bring a sense of warmth and togetherness to your Lohri celebrations. Enjoy these mouthwatering dishes with your loved ones around the bonfire, creating lasting memories and adding a flavorful touch to the festivities.
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