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Lohri is one of the joyous festivals that is celebrated by the crackling of bonfires, folk songs in the air, and friends and family coming together to celebrate warmth, the season of harvest, and togetherness. Food is the heart of every Lohri celebration, not as a formality but as a shared experience passed from hand to hand around the fire. Planning a Lohri menu means thinking beyond just the tradition alone; it is about dishes that feel joyful, relaxing, and easy to serve while the guests indulge in a flow. A well-thought-out spread has a perfect balance of smoky starters, hearty main courses, and jaggery-sweet finishes that reflect the spirit of the season.
When you pick recipes that can be prepped ahead and served without any additional effort, hosting becomes slightly less stressful and more about celebration. These thoughtfully curated dishes help in planning a menu that honours the roots of the celebration while delivering guests something unique that has warm flavours, bold textures, and food that marks the celebration going long after the bonfire glows.
Makki Methi Muthiyas
A refreshed twist to the regular winter flavours, these steamed-and-tossed muthiyas change the usual frying for a lighter bite. Makki ka atta is mixed with fresh methi, ginger, ajwain, and some mild spices and then shaped into logs, steamed, and lightly sautéed with sesame seeds. These muthiyas are crisp from the outside, soft inside, and perfect for munching during a Lohri get-together. Serve it with tangy tamarind chutney or some jaggery syrup to reflect the sweetness of the festival with familiar ingredients, but in a way that guests would not have expected.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Gur Aur Akhrot Galouti Kebabs
These melt-in-the-mouth kebabs deliver winter warmth without being too heavy. Finely crushed walnuts are mixed with mashed lentils, mild spices, and a hint of grated jaggery to give depth. Shallow-fry it till soft and golden, and they are soft enough to even break with a spoon. The jaggery does not sweeten, but it enhances the spices beautifully. These kababs are an elegant starter for the party; these kebabs feel festive, indulgent, and are creative for a Lohri evening party.
Sarson Aur Paneer Kofta Curry
Think of this as sarson da saag’s party-ready cousin. Blanched mustard greens are finely chopped and mixed with grated paneer to form soft koftas, pan-fried lightly. These are simmered in a mild onion-cashew gravy that lets the mustard flavour shine without overpowering. The result is rich yet balanced, perfect with tandoori rotis. It keeps the soul of Lohri intact while offering something more celebratory than everyday saag.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Til Aur Khajoor Stuffed Parathas
These parathas hide the festival’s favourite flavours within. A coarse filling of roasted sesame seeds, chopped dates, and a hint of jaggery is filled inside whole-wheat dough and cooked slowly in ghee. The result is nutty, a bit sweet, and extremely aromatic. Serve it fresh with white butter or even plain yoghurt. They can be enjoyed both as a main and even as a dessert with a surprise, perfect for guests who like tradition with a creative twist.
Jaggery Citrus Phirni
This winter dessert refreshes the palate without losing its warmth. Rice phirni is cooked slowly in milk and is sweetened with jaggery instead of sugar, giving it a deep caramelised note. Finish it with orange zest and a hint of lemon peel, and it feels light and indulgent. Serve it chilled or lightly warm; it is a good dessert option after heavy savoury dishes. It is unexpected, full of seasonal goodness, and a stunning modern end to a beautiful Lohri feast.
(Image credit: Freepik)
