Kites soaring high in the sky, in all their multitudinous, bright hues: pink, red, green and orange, characterise the Makar Sankranti or the harvest festival celebrated in several Maharashtrian regions. The arrival of Sankranti also heralds the coming of longer, warmer and sunnier days after the chilly winter climes. Kite flying competitions abound during this festival as the skies are clear and the winds favourable. If you are planning a contest at home, up your hosting game by keeping some seasonal snacks handy, which guests can munch on between bouts of play. Fuss-free and low-effort, these preparations add a flavourful touch to the gathering.
Til-Gul Chikki Bites
Sesame and jaggery are two staple ingredients used to prepare sweet treats for Makar Sankranti. Turn the classic til-gul vadi or ladoo into a slightly harder, chikki-like bite which serves as an energising snack during a kite flying event. Easily portable and filled with local nuance, the chikki bites can be carried up onto the roof or the terrace or a large home garden where the actual event will be hosted. Break larger chikki slices into smaller shards so they can be grabbed as on-the-go snacks during the kite flying session.
Masala Peanuts
Peanuts or moongfali have for long been the go-to snack to munch on while flying kites. Turn these into a slightly more sophisticated affair by tossing the peanuts on a frying pan and flavouring them with salt, chilli powder and a dash of chaat masala. Peanut bowls can be placed on little tables scattered around lush green lawns or on the terrace so guests can dip into them whenever they have a hankering for munching on a spicy, crispy bite through the course of the evening.
Makki Pakoras
Although Makar Sankranti suggests the onset of warmer days, evenings still tend to be slightly chilly for a while longer. Warm snacks can be sheer comfort food while participating in outdoor activities on a festive day that is part winter, part spring. Prepare delicious makki pakoras or corn fritters and pair them with freshly-made mint chutney to add warmth and a festive fervour into your kite flying session. Serve the pakoras with steaming hot cups of ginger tea during break time. Season the makki pakoras with ginger-garlic paste, green chillies, cumin powder and turmeric for more flavour. A chaat masala drizzle on the deep fried goodies becomes a lipsmacking garnish option.
Also Read:
Bhogichi Bhaji For Sankranti: How The Maharashtrian Winter Speciality Is Significant To Celebrations
Mini Theplas
Prepare small methi theplas and keep them ready in a casserole as handy snacks served with tea during the kite flying event. The theplas can be paired with fresh curd or a tangy chilli and mango pickle. These are quick munching options that can be snacked upon without feeling too full. As guests take a break between kite flying sessions, they can sip on warm tea and munch on these flatbreads before getting back to the game. Another alternative could be multigrain flatbreads or small, millet flatbreads which are both nourishing and healthy snack options on a cool evening.
Murmura Chivda Chaat
A fine munchable snack to gorge on especially in the early evening, murmura chivda can be turned into a vibrant chaat-style crisp bite for this special occasion. Transform the crispy chivda into a chaat by topping it off with chopped onions, tomatoes and some finely diced coriander. Drizzle tangy tamarind chutney over the chivda along with pink salt and red chilli powder. Bowls of chivda chaat can be munched on as guests kickstart the game.