Lohri, the festival that marks the end of winter and the harvest of rabi crops, is celebrated with much joy and enthusiasm across India, especially in Punjab. It’s a time to gather with loved ones, light a bonfire, and indulge in delicious traditional dishes that embody the spirit of this festive season. This year, let’s celebrate Lohri with classic recipes that come with a modern twist.

1.Sarson da Saag and Makki di Roti- No Lohri celebration is complete without this iconic Punjabi dish. The creamy texture of Sarson da Saag paired with the rustic flavor of Makki di Roti is pure comfort on a plate. Here's how you can prepare it:

Ingredients: Sarson (Mustard leaves)

Bathua (Chenopodium leaves)

Spinach

Maize flour (Makki ka atta)

Ginger and garlic

Green chilies

Ghee (available on our website for an authentic taste)

Method for Sarson da Saag: Clean and wash the mustard leaves, bathua, and spinach thoroughly. Boil the greens with a little water, salt, and green chilies until tender. Mash them well. In a pan, heat ghee and sauté ginger and garlic until aromatic. Add the mashed greens and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally. Mix maize flour with water to form a paste, and add it to the greens. Cook for 15-20 minutes until thickened.

Method for Makki di Roti: Knead maize flour with warm water to form a soft dough. Take small portions, roll them into flat rounds, and cook on a hot griddle with ghee until golden on both sides. 

Modern Twist: Add a dollop of butter infused with herbs like thyme or rosemary for an unexpected flavor burst. You can also serve it with a side of creamy yogurt dip seasoned with roasted cumin.

2. Gur ki Roti: Sweet, wholesome, and bursting with the goodness of jaggery, Gur ki Roti is another must-have during Lohri.

Ingredients: Whole wheat flour

Jaggery

Fennel seeds

Ghee

Method: Dissolve jaggery in warm water and strain to remove impurities. Mix the jaggery water with whole wheat flour and fennel seeds to form a soft dough. Roll out small portions of the dough into flat rounds. Cook on a hot griddle with ghee until golden and slightly crisp.

Modern Twist: Serve it with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon powder to enhance its sweetness and aroma. You can also make smaller, bite-sized portions to serve as snacks.

Til Ladoo: These sesame seed and jaggery laddoos are not just tasty but also packed with nutrients that keep you warm during the winter.

Ingredients:

Sesame seeds (Til)

Jaggery (Gur)

Cardamom powder

Ghee

Method: Dry roast sesame seeds until aromatic and set aside. Melt jaggery with a little water in a pan to make a thick syrup. Mix the roasted sesame seeds and cardamom powder into the syrup. Grease your hands with ghee and shape the mixture into small laddoos while warm.

Modern Twist: Add crushed nuts like almonds and pistachios for a crunchy texture or a dash of dark chocolate to appeal to younger taste buds.

Let’s make this Lohri memorable by combining the richness of tradition with the creativity of modern cooking. Order your ingredients today and bring the festive spirit to your kitchen! https://www.goodofood.com/pongal-shop