Makar Sankranti Food Ideas
Makar Sankranti is considered to be amongst the happiest harvest festivals celebrated in the harvest season in the nation with colourful kites, traditions, and of course mouth-watering recipes for the occasion of Makar Sankranti! This occasion of Makar Sankranti unites people around the plate loaded with mouth-watering recipes representing the harvest and the happiness of the season of winter.
The Importance of Makar Sankranti Food
Food takes a prominent place during the celebration of Sankranti. This includes dishes that are associated with harvest and healthy eating during the cold season. Serving such food to others shows warmth.
Popular Makar Sankranti Food Items:
Here is a list of festive foods that you should try at this time of the year:
1. Til Gul Ladoo - Sankranti Sweet
Tilgul laddoo is prepared with sesame seeds and jaggery, which is the most commonly found sweet on Makar Sankranti. The tradition in some parts of Maharashtra and in some of its nearby regions is to give these sweets in exchange for the words "Tilgul ghya, god god baja." (meaning: take this sweet and speak sweetly).
2. Sakkarai Pongal or Sweet Pongal
The major food related to Makar Sankranti in South India is sweet pongal, or sakkarai pongal. It is made from rice, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee and topped with nuts and raisins.
3. Khichdi – An Easy-to-Digest Dish
Made from rice and lentils, khichdi is simply a healthy food item, and it is a comforting food when it is made with ghee. It is usually made for lunch and is also an important food item in this festival.
4. Puran Poli – Sweet Bread
Puran Poli is a popular dish in Maharashtra. It is a paratha type, with jaggery and chana dal fillings. The distinct, warm and flavourful taste of this dish is much sought after in a complete Sankranti meal.
5. Undhiyu – A Gujarati Vegetable Dish
Undhiyu is a delicacy from Gujarat, made with mixed vegetables and slowly prepared with spices. This dish is very comforting, especially during the winter season. And it is a nutritious part of the Sankranti festival.
6. Sabudana Vada
Sabudana vada is a popular dish, made of soaked sago and mashed potatoes. It is crunchy in taste and seasoned with peanuts and green chillies.
7. Coconut and Besan Ladoos
Coconut ladoos are used as a dessert during Makar Sankranti and include grated coconut and condensed milk for the preparation. Besan ladoos, prepared with gram flour and ghee, are also popular.
8. Murmura Laddoo (Puffed Rice)
Murmura laddoo is an Indian sweet that highlights the spirit of this festival. It is made with puffed rice and jaggery. And it is light and crunchy in taste.
Makar Sankranti Recipes to Try at Home
1. Tilgul Ladoo
Ingredients: til (sesame seeds), gur (jaggery) and cardamom
Steps: Roast sesame seeds, melt jaggery so that it can turn into a syrup and mix it with til and cardamom. Quickly shape them into ladoos.
2. Khichdi
Ingredients: rice, split moong dal, ghee, turmeric, lal mirch, and salt
Steps: Wash rice and dal properly, and cook them with water and spices until soft. Serve hot with ghee on the top for additional taste.
3. Sakkarai Pongal
Ingredients: rice, moong dal, jaggery, ghee, cashews, raisins
Steps: Cook rice and dal together, melt jaggery in it, and at last sprinkle some roasted nuts and ghee.
These food and sweet dish recipes make the festival more special.
Final Thoughts
Apart from food, Makar Sankranti is a way of showing gratitude to farmers after a successful harvest and welcoming longer days after the winter season. For sweets, you can also choose dry fruits of your choice from the dry fruits names list.
From sharing til gul ladoos to sakkari pongal, each and every dish brings delight and comfort to the people; hence, everyone celebrates this festival with great enthusiasm.
Disclaimer : The information provided in this blog is just for general awareness and informational purposes, gathered from various sources. ZOFF Foods do not assure or guarantee any healthy or nutritional results. We strictly recommend you consult a qualified health professional for personalised dietary advice.
FAQs
Q1. What is so special about Makar Sankranti dishes?
A1. Makar Sankranti dishes are a combination of traditions and ingredients like sesame, jaggery, and local flavours, and comfort during a cold climatic condition.
Q2. Which sweet dishes are associated with Makar Sankranti?
A2. The popular laddoos of til-gul, besan and coconut. And puddings like kheer are usually associated with this festival.
Q3. Are salty foods part of Sankranti celebrations?
A3. Yes, salty food items like undhiyu, khichdi and sabudana vada are commonly cooked during this festival.
Q4. How to make these dishes at home, easily?
A4. Most of these recipes can be made easily by using common ingredients and easy processes and do not require expertise.
Q5. What is the importance of food in Makar Sankranti?
A5. The food items are representatives of the appreciation of nature's gift. They bring the people together during harvest season.