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Lohri, one of the most vibrant festivals celebrated across the lush green expanse of Punjab’s agricultural provinces and farmlands in several other northern Indian towns, marks a glorious end to winter weather and the onset of longer, spring days. The festival is marked with great joy and fervour and undoubtedly, several sweet treats take centre stage in this celebration. Bonfires, lyrical music, dancing and seasonal foods, all indicate the arrival of Lohri. Filled with celebratory zeal, Lohri is characterised by the making of sweet treats prepared using jaggery, sesame and peanuts which symbolise warmth and prosperity. In the modern kitchen, some traditional Lohri delicacies can be recreated for a night of revelry – sans the bonfire of course! – which tune into the rustic, community vibe of the festival.
Til-Gur Energy Bars
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Rewri, or a traditional barfi made using sesame and jaggery is a staple sweet treat during Lohri. Turn this into a delicious, nourishing energy bite filled with the goodness of essential oils brought in through the sesame and a rich proportion of iron that jaggery adds to the sweet. To make the sweet into a bite-sized pop, roll the sesame and jaggery mixture and cut it into little treats bound together with dates. This energy bite, filled with the nostalgic essence of traditional Lohri celebrations, is excellent for festive gifting or serving on a grazing board.
Makki Roti Flatbread Bites
Of the different savoury delights that are prepared at a Lohri meal, the makki ki roti or a flatbread made using sweet corn is quite a well-known recipe. The flatbread can be turned into little bites served as appetisers at a contemporary Lohri gathering hosted in your urban home. Make mini makki flatbreads and finish them off with sumptuous toppings like spiced yoghurt, sautéed greens or a dollop of herbed butter. The switch in serving style will turn the classic dish into an elegant dinner party appetiser.
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Peanut-Jaggery Brittle
One of the most delicious sweet treats prepared during this wintertime festival is the peanut or moongfali and jaggery bar. This is a sweet, nutty and crunchy treat that feels like a comforting joy on the taste buds. An interesting way to lend this traditional delight a more modern twist is to turn the bark into crushed brittle or shards that can be eaten as on-the-go bites. Spread the peanut and jaggery mixture thinly, sprinkle with assorted seeds and once it sets, break it into little shards that are lighter than chikki slabs but just as tasty.
Gajak Dessert Cups
While gajak itself is prepared as a coming together of sesame, peanuts and jaggery, this sweet treat can be served as an elegant dessert cup at a Lohri dinner. Crumble homemade gajak and layer it on top of whipped yoghurt or freshly made chocolate mousse in a small glass. Top this off with a mix of crushed nuts and drizzle honey over the entire mixture to lend it a finishing touch. The gajak cups infused with a certain silky, smooth creaminess transform a traditional recipe into a rather sophisticated dinner table dessert option.
Warm Spiced Gur Milk
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Jaggery-sweetened spiced milk is a delicacy that marks Lohri festivities to the core. This traditional recipe can be reimagined as a warm, comforting mocktail in winter weather. Infuse warm milk with the caramelised sweetness of crushed jaggery and the mild spice of cinnamon and cardamom powder. Garnish the drink with rose petals for introducing a more luxurious finish into the dessert-style mocktail that is a perfect sweet alternative at a Lohri dinner you host in your urban space.
