Sweet Delights First
Makar Sankranti is synonymous with the joy of delicious food, and the celebrations often begin with sweets. One of the most iconic dishes is 'Til Ladoo,'
made with sesame seeds and jaggery, which symbolizes warmth and prosperity. Another favorite is 'Gur ki Chikki,' a brittle made from peanuts and jaggery. 'Undhiyu,' a mixed vegetable dish slow-cooked in earthen pots, is a staple in Gujarat. Other popular sweets include 'Puran Poli,' a sweet flatbread, and 'Gajak,' a sesame candy. The diverse array of sweets reflects the festive spirit and culinary traditions of different regions during Makar Sankranti.
Savory Dishes Abound
While sweets are essential, savory dishes also take center stage in Makar Sankranti feasts. 'Khichdi,' a dish made with rice and lentils, is often considered the first offering to the sun god, symbolizing the start of the harvest season. 'Daal Baati Churma,' a classic Rajasthani combination of lentil soup, baked wheat balls, and a sweet crumble, is another popular choice. In Maharashtra, 'Bhajani Thalipeeth,' a savory pancake made from a mixture of grains, is widely enjoyed. The savory dishes are essential components of the festival meal, reflecting the diverse culinary styles and regional preferences of the Indian culture.
Til Ladoo: Sesame Seeds
Til Ladoo, the quintessential Makar Sankranti sweet, is more than just a treat; it's a symbol of warmth and prosperity. Sesame seeds, or 'til,' are combined with jaggery, offering a nutty sweetness and a chewy texture. The process is straightforward: sesame seeds are roasted to bring out their aroma, then mixed with melted jaggery and formed into small balls. The black sesame seeds are preferred in some regions. Til ladoos are a significant part of the festivities, representing the abundance and good fortune associated with the harvest season, and are shared among family and friends as a gesture of goodwill.
Gur ki Chikki: Peanut Brittle
Gur ki Chikki is another essential sweet during Makar Sankranti, known for its crunchy texture and sweet taste. This brittle is typically made with peanuts and jaggery. The peanuts are dry-roasted and mixed with melted jaggery. This mixture is then spread out, cooled, and cut into squares or pieces. The chikki is a widely loved sweet snack. In addition to peanuts, the recipe can also include other nuts or seeds like sesame seeds. The crunchiness and rich flavor of Gur ki Chikki make it a favorite choice, perfect for sharing during the celebrations.
Undhiyu: Mixed Vegetables
Undhiyu is a flavorful mixed vegetable dish originating from Gujarat, cooked in an earthen pot. The vegetables like potatoes, eggplants, beans, and bananas are cooked together with herbs and spices. The unique cooking method in an earthen pot gives the dish its distinct smoky flavor. Undhiyu is traditionally prepared upside down, hence the name, which means 'upside down' in Gujarati. It is a hearty, flavorful dish. The aroma of Undhiyu cooking is a sign of Makar Sankranti. It is a must-have dish.
Puran Poli: Sweet Flatbread
Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread, is a popular treat in Maharashtra and is enjoyed during Makar Sankranti. It is filled with a sweet mixture of cooked chana dal, jaggery, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg. The dough is rolled out. It is then stuffed with the sweet filling and cooked on a griddle with ghee. The warmth of Puran Poli and its sweet, flavorful stuffing make it an ideal sweet during the cool weather. The aroma of the Puran Poli being prepared fills homes. Each bite embodies the spirit of the occasion.
Gajak: Sesame Candy
Gajak is a crispy, brittle sweet often made with sesame seeds and jaggery, enjoyed across North India during the winter months. It's similar to Chikki. The sesame seeds are roasted and mixed with jaggery to form a hard, crunchy candy. The combination of sesame seeds and jaggery provides warmth, a common theme for the winter season. Gajak comes in various forms and flavors, including peanuts or nuts. It's often shared during the festival, symbolizing the warmth and sweetness of the celebrations.
Khichdi: Rice and Lentils
Khichdi is a simple yet nourishing dish made of rice and lentils, and is regarded as the first offering made to the sun god. This dish is prepared with rice, lentils, and spices, with variations in ingredients across regions. It's easy to digest and is often considered light and wholesome. It is a symbol of auspicious beginnings and is often eaten in the morning during the festival. The simplicity of Khichdi is one of its appeals, it can be made in many ways.
Daal Baati Churma
Daal Baati Churma is a traditional Rajasthani delicacy, a complete meal that’s perfect for a festive occasion. Baati is baked wheat balls that are cooked over a slow fire or in an oven, giving them a crispy exterior and soft interior. The daal, is a flavorful lentil soup. Churma is a sweet crumble made from crushed, deep-fried wheat balls, mixed with sugar or jaggery. The combination of textures and flavors makes Daal Baati Churma a favorite during Makar Sankranti. Its rich flavors bring people together for a hearty feast.
Bhajani Thalipeeth
Bhajani Thalipeeth is a savory pancake that is made from a special flour blend of roasted grains and spices. Commonly prepared in Maharashtra, it offers a distinct taste and texture that differs from other flatbreads. The dough is combined with vegetables like onions and coriander. It is then cooked on a griddle until golden brown. Bhajani Thalipeeth is a versatile and healthy dish, suitable for breakfast or as a snack. Its savory flavor is a refreshing contrast to the sweet treats often consumed during Makar Sankranti.
