Welcome To Sankranti
Makar Sankranti is a vibrant Indian festival marking the sun's transition into the zodiac sign of Makara (Capricorn). Celebrated with immense enthusiasm
across India, the festival symbolizes the end of the winter season and the beginning of longer days. It is a time for joyous celebrations, kite flying, bonfires, and, most importantly, indulging in special foods. Many of the dishes are made with ingredients that are harvested during this time. The preparations for Makar Sankranti often start a few days in advance. Families and communities come together to prepare traditional foods, decorate homes, and plan festive activities. These dishes vary regionally, but they all share a common thread: celebrating the harvest and welcoming a new beginning. The essence of Makar Sankranti lies in bringing people together, sharing joy, and savoring the delicious flavors of the season.
Til Ladoo: Sweet Bliss
Til Ladoo, or sesame seed balls, is a classic Makar Sankranti sweet. Made primarily from sesame seeds and jaggery, these small, round treats are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune. The process involves dry-roasting the sesame seeds until they become fragrant and lightly golden. The roasted seeds are then mixed with melted jaggery, which binds the mixture together. The mixture is quickly shaped into small balls before it cools and hardens. Til Ladoo is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with the goodness of sesame seeds, known for their health benefits. It is a must-have during Makar Sankranti, and its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a favorite across households.
Gur ki Roti: Jaggery Flatbread
Gur ki Roti is a sweet flatbread that is another staple during Makar Sankranti. It's a delightful treat filled with a sweet, jaggery-based filling. The dough is typically made from wheat flour and is rolled out into small circles. A mixture of grated jaggery, often combined with sesame seeds, cardamom, and sometimes nuts, is placed in the center. The dough is then folded over and sealed, creating a stuffed paratha. It's then gently rolled out again and cooked on a hot griddle with ghee or oil until golden brown. The combination of the sweet filling and the warmth of the flatbread makes it a comforting and satisfying dish, perfect for a festive breakfast. Its simplicity and deliciousness have made it a favorite across the country.
Undhiyu: A Gujarati Special
Undhiyu is a mixed vegetable dish, a specialty of Gujarat, that is very popular during Makar Sankranti. The vegetables, like eggplant, potatoes, beans, and other seasonal produce, are slow-cooked in a unique, earthen pot called an 'matlu'. This method, along with a blend of spices, gives Undhiyu its distinctive flavor. It's often prepared with a green masala made from coriander leaves, green chilies, garlic, and ginger. The vegetables are layered with this masala and cooked over low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. Undhiyu is served hot, often with puri or theplas (another flatbread), making it a hearty and flavorful dish, perfect for a festive meal. The slow cooking process enhances the flavors and makes it a cherished dish during the harvest festival.
Pongal: A South Indian Treat
Pongal, a sweet rice dish, holds a special place in South Indian cuisine, particularly during Makar Sankranti. It's made by boiling rice and lentils with milk and jaggery until it becomes a creamy, porridge-like consistency. The dish is often flavored with cardamom, cashews, and raisins, adding a rich texture and aroma. The dish is cooked in a new pot, and the process of boiling the rice symbolizes prosperity and abundance. The overflow of the Pongal signifies the overflowing of the family’s blessings. The dish is offered to the Sun God as part of the celebrations. This dish is usually made in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. Its sweetness and comforting nature make it a perfect breakfast to start a festive day.
Puran Poli: Sweet Flatbread
Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread that is famous in Maharashtra, and is made during Makar Sankranti. It features a sweet filling made from chana dal (split chickpeas), jaggery, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. The dough is usually made from maida (refined flour) and a bit of turmeric. The filling is made by cooking the chana dal, then mixing it with jaggery and spices. The filling is then stuffed inside the dough, and the poli is rolled out into a flatbread. This is cooked on a griddle with ghee until golden brown. It is often served with ghee or milk, adding extra richness to the flavors. The combination of sweet filling and the soft, flaky bread makes it a delightful treat, perfect for celebrating.
Dahi Chura: Flattened Rice
Dahi Chura is a simple yet satisfying breakfast dish, particularly popular in Bihar and other parts of North India. It is made using flattened rice (chura) soaked in yogurt (dahi). The dish is often seasoned with sugar, salt, and sometimes with a hint of green chilies. The yogurt softens the rice and adds a refreshing tang, making it easy to eat. It is often garnished with dry fruits, adding texture and flavor. It is a quick and easy breakfast, making it a great choice for busy mornings. Its simplicity makes it a favorite among many during the festive season, providing a refreshing start to the day.
Gujiya: Sweet Dumplings
Gujiya, a sweet dumpling, is a delicious dessert, often associated with Holi, is enjoyed during Makar Sankranti in some regions. These crescent-shaped dumplings are made with maida (refined flour) dough and filled with a sweet filling. The filling typically consists of khoya (dried milk solids), nuts like cashews and almonds, and sometimes coconut flakes and cardamom. The dough is shaped around the filling, either by hand or with a mold, and then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Gujiya is a treat that brings joy, providing a delightful and festive touch to the Makar Sankranti celebrations.
Khichdi: Savory Comfort
Khichdi, a comforting mixture of rice and lentils, is a versatile dish, made in various ways throughout India, often with different vegetables. Khichdi can be simple or rich, depending on the ingredients. It is considered a nutritious and easy-to-digest dish. It is often seasoned with cumin seeds, turmeric, and other spices, adding flavor and aroma. Khichdi provides nourishment and is a simple yet satisfying breakfast option during Makar Sankranti. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect fit for a festive breakfast.
Payasam: A Festive Pudding
Payasam, a creamy rice pudding, is a delicious dessert enjoyed during various festivals, including Makar Sankranti. Made with rice, milk, sugar or jaggery, and flavored with cardamom, and sometimes nuts and raisins, it is a sweet and satisfying treat. The dish is cooked slowly, allowing the rice to absorb the milk and sweeteners, creating a rich and creamy texture. Payasam is often served warm and is a popular dish to share with family and friends during festive occasions. Its richness and comforting qualities make it a perfect end to a festive breakfast.
