Harvest season is nearly upon us and with it, some of our favorite harvest season festivities as well. India is a petri dish of cultures and cuisines and the harvest season is celebrated in different cultures with different festivals. In Punjab, itโs celebrated as Lohri. And the best thing about Lohri is all the delicious Punjabi dishes we get to enjoy during the festival! From pure ghee delicacies to puffy rotis with butter spread, Punjab is the land of wholesome meals!
Punjabi cuisine is renowned for its robust flavours and the generous use of ghee and butter, and Lohri is no exception. These dishes are not just culinary delights but also carry deep cultural significance. Ghee, in particular, holds a special place in Punjabi cooking. It is believed to add a unique depth of flavour and richness to dishes, while also providing warmth and nourishment during the winter months.
Let’s explore some of the must-try Lohri festival foods!
1. Sarson ka Saag & Makki di Roti
No Lohri celebration is complete without this iconic duo. Sarson ka Saag, a creamy and flavorful spinach curry, is cooked with mustard greens, ginger, garlic, and spices. Makki di Roti, a flatbread made from cornflour, is the perfect accompaniment to this rich and hearty curry.
- Ingredients for Sarson ka Saag:
- Mustard Greens
- Spinach
- Ginger
- Garlic
- Green Chillies
- Turmeric Powder
- Red Chilli Powder
- Garam Masala
- Salt
- Water
- Nutralite Doodhshakti Pure Ghee (for tempering)
- Ingredients for Makki di Roti:
- Cornflour
- Water
- Salt
- Nutralite Doodhshakti Probiotic Butter Spread (for cooking)
2. Til Ladoo
These sesame seed ladoos are a staple during Lohri. In fact, theyโre among the most common festival food ideas for harvest season festivals across different cultures. Made with roasted sesame seeds, jaggery, and often studded with dry fruits like cashews and almonds, til ladoos offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
- Ingredients:
- Roasted sesame seeds (til)
- Jaggery
- Nutralite Doodhshakti Pure Ghee
- Dry fruits (optional)
3. Gajak
Gajak, a brittle lohri sweet made with sesame seeds and jaggery, is another popular treat during Lohri. The sesame seeds are roasted in ghee, enhancing their nutty aroma and creating a delightful crunch.
- Ingredients:
- Sesame seeds
- Jaggery
- Nutralite Doodhshakti Pure Ghee
4. Rewri
Rewri is a traditional Punjabi Lohri special sweet made from roasted gram flour, jaggery, and sometimes peanuts. It is a popular winter treat and is often enjoyed during Lohri celebrations.
- Ingredients:
- Roasted gram flour
- Jaggery
- Peanuts (optional)
- Nutralite Doodhshakti Pure Ghee
Experience the Nutralite difference and elevate your culinary experience!
5. Pinni
Pinni is a wholesome and energizing sweet made with whole wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. It is a popular winter delicacy and Lohri festival food recipe in Punjab and is often prepared in large quantities to be shared with family and friends.
- Ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour
- Jaggery
- Nutralite Doodhshakti Pure Ghee
- Dry fruits (optional)
Nutralite DoodhShakti: Enhancing Your Festive Feast
Nutraliteโs Doodhshakti range of dairy products is especially developed to accentuate the flavor of desi festive food ideas. Bring out the best of your Lohri food recipes with Nutralite Doodhshakti!
- Nutralite DoodhShakti Probiotic Butter Spread is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional butter. Itโs made from creamy milk and packed with probiotics, those friendly โgood bacteriaโ that support gut health and the immune system. With 1 billion probiotics in every single (10 g) serving, itโs tasty and a great addition of nutrition to your everyday meals. Enjoy the creamy goodness of Nutralite DoodhShakti Probiotic Butter Spread on your Makki di Roti or use it to sautรฉ vegetables for a flavorful and healthy twist.
- Nutralite DoodhShakti Pure Ghee is a perfect source of beneficial fats for your family, made from the finest quality milk sourced from the land of Braj. Milk fat is a natural energy source, making it perfect for growing children as well as for adults. Use Nutralite DoodhShakti Pure Ghee for roasting sesame seeds for your til ladoo and gajak, or for tempering spices in your Sarson ka Saag.
Lohri is a time for family and friends to come together, enjoy the warmth of the bonfire, and indulge in these delicious traditional dishes. The vibrant colours, lively music, and the aroma of these delectable treats create a truly unforgettable festive experience.