5 foods to celebrate the festival of Lohri

Lohri is one of the very famous Punjabi folk festivals which celebrates the arrival of longer days after winter solstice by welcoming the sun to northern hemispheres. This festival is essentially the festival of Harvest within which sparkling pearls of Rabi crops are observed. The occasion involves lightning of ritualistic bonfire and dancing on traditional Punjabi folk songs to spread joy and happiness amongst all the dear ones.

The day of Lohri marks the coldest night of the year, which is further followed by the longest day and shortest day of the year. Thus to survive this extreme chilly night, people protect themselves by sitting beside the bonfire and celebrate through the night by exchanging spirit of festivity by singing and dancing around the bonfire. Many Aromatic flavors of traditional food are consumed on this occasion. So to make this Lohri more exciting and fun we will here talk about top five traditional lohri delicacies to enjoy this festive season.

• Sarson-da-saag

Sarson-da-saag is basically made from mustard (sarso) leaves. It is enriched with iron, vitamin C, Vitamin K. It is mostly accompanied with makke ki roti, this winter delicacy is an authentic Punjabi dish. One can also add a few grams of fenugreek or bathua leaves into it to enhance the flavor and nutritional benefits.

• Makke-di-roti

This Traditional Punjabi recipe is a chapati made from cornmeal, instead of wheat flour. It is filled with fiber, thus is an excellent choice to opt for. This makke do roti is usually consumed sarson da saag mostly during the winter season. This roti can also be stuffed with fenugreek leaves and is taken along with curd or raita.

• Homemade Peanut chikki

Mouth melting Peanut chikki as the name suggests has its main ingredients as peanuts and jaggery as its main ingredients. These crispy peanut chikki offers health benefits of nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals, and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids plus antioxidants with plenty of heart-healthy nutrients preventing heart risk. Try making these tasty delights at your home for the maximum health benefits and least adulterants. Remember moderation is the key.

• Carrot Halwa

Carrot halwa is a traditional Indian sweet which can always be made healthier by replacing refined sugar with coconut sugar or jaggery. It provides you with the nutritional benefits of carrots which are a good source of beta-carotene, fiber, vitamin K, potassium and antioxidants. They are also said to help fight with the risk factors of cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes and aids digestion process.

• Homemade Sesame-jaggery gajak

This is another delicacy which can easily be made at your homes and keep you healthy during this chilling weather. Jaggery is rich in iron and fiber thereby aids in the digestion process. Whereas sesame seeds are rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, polyunsaturated fatty acids and also provides warmth to your body and enhances your body’s immunity.

Footnote
May the warmth of the sacred bonfire bring health and happiness to you and your family. Enjoy these amazing delicacies just the way they should be eaten, laughingly with no worries!!