Dance, dhol and vadhiya khaana- these are the first things to cross my mind when I hear the word ‘Lohri’. The harvest festival of Punjab, Lohri is celebrated with full pomp and show. The festival is associated with the winter solstice and marks the end of winters and the onset of spring. The people of Punjab celebrate it by lighting the ritualistic fire, offering food to it, dancing to the beats of the dhol, singing folklores and relishing a hearty and indulgent feast. The following day is celebrated as Makar Sankranti and is celebrated with great pomp all over the country.
As we are a group of foodies, it’ll be fair for us to leave everything else behind and jump straight to the culinary aspect of the festival. When I was in Delhi, I got invited to one of my friend’s houses for the Lohri celebration and I haven’t forgotten the scrumptious feast that was served to me that day. The feast consisted of some authentic Punjabi dishes that have kept us hooked to them for ages now. I washed everything down with a tall glass of lassi at the end and was all full. Are you planning for your Lohri ki thali for this year? Here are some authentic Punjabi dishes that you can include.
1. Makki Ki Roti
No Indian platter can be complete without a flatbread in it. And can we even miss Makki ki roti when talking about Lohri thali? Made with maize flour and topped with makkan, makki ki roti is a Punjabi winter classic.
2. Sarson Ka Saag
Can we even miss this timeless classic after adding makki ki roti to the platter? We don’t think so. Topped with a generous amount of makkhan, sarson ka saag is a season specialty. Made with nutritious mustard leaves, authentic Punjabi spices and dollops of ghee, sarson ka saag is a great addition to your Lohri ki thaali.
3. Til Ki Chikki
Til and gur are the two most important ingredients that play a significant role in the harvest festivals. Along with numerous nutritional benefits, chikkis are a quintessential snack option in most parts of India during winters.
4. Chiraunji Makhane Ki Kheer
One of my personal favoruites, chiraunji makhane ki kheer is nutritious and decadent as well. The kheer is filled with the goodness of dry fruits and milk and is enough to warm you up during winters.
5. Pindi Chhole
No matter which part of the world I am in or what day it is, a plate of spicy and authentic pindi chhole is enough to transport my heart and soul to the lanes of Old Delhi. And needless to say, this culinary gem is a gift from Punjab to foodies around the world. Give a masaaledaar twist to your Lohri ki thali with this authentic pindi chhole recipe. The dish will be paired perfectly with makki ki roti and will amp up your dish just right.
Do you think we missed out on any dish? Do let us know in the comments section below.
