Gudi Padwa Recipes

Gudi Padwa! Indian food recipes, Veg thali, Gujarati recipes

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Table of Contents

1. What is Gudi Padwa?
2. What are the traditional recipes for Gudi Padwa?
3. How to make Puran Poli?
4. What is Shrikhand?
5. How to make Shrikhand?

What is Gudi Padwa?

Gudi Padwa is a festival celebrated in the Indian state of Maharashtra to mark the beginning of the Hindu New Year. It is observed on the first day of the Chaitra month according to the Hindu lunar calendar, which usually falls in March or April. The festival is known for its vibrant celebrations, which include the hoisting of a Gudi (a decorated pole), traditional rituals, and feasting on delicious food.

What are the traditional recipes for Gudi Padwa?

Gudi Padwa is a time when families come together to celebrate and indulge in traditional Maharashtrian cuisine. Some popular recipes prepared during this festival include:

1. Puran Poli

Puran Poli is a sweet flatbread made with a filling of jaggery (a type of cane sugar), yellow gram dal (split chickpeas), and spices. It is a popular dish during Gudi Padwa and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The dough for Puran Poli is made with wheat flour, while the filling is made by cooking the jaggery and dal together with cardamom powder and nutmeg. The filling is then stuffed inside the dough and rolled out into thin flatbreads. These flatbreads are then cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown and served with ghee (clarified butter) or milk.

2. Shrikhand

Shrikhand is a creamy and sweet dessert made with strained yogurt, sugar, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. It is a popular dish not only during Gudi Padwa but also on other festive occasions in Maharashtra. The yogurt is hung in a muslin cloth to remove excess water, and then sugar and flavorings are added to it. The mixture is then chilled and served as a dessert. Shrikhand is usually garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios, and sometimes with a sprinkle of edible rose petals.

3. How to make Shrikhand?

To make Shrikhand, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup of powdered sugar
• A pinch of saffron strands
• 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• Chopped nuts for garnishing

Here is a step-by-step guide to making Shrikhand:

1. Take the plain yogurt in a muslin cloth and tie it tightly. Hang it over a bowl or sink for about 4-5 hours to remove excess water.
2. In a mixing bowl, take the strained yogurt and add powdered sugar to it. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes. Then add this saffron milk to the yogurt mixture and mix well.
4. Add cardamom powder to the mixture and give it a good stir.
5. Transfer the Shrikhand to a serving dish and garnish it with chopped nuts.
6. Chill the Shrikhand in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.

4. How to make Puran Poli?

To make Puran Poli, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup of wheat flour
• 1 cup of split chickpeas (chana dal)
• 1 cup of jaggery
• 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder
• A pinch of nutmeg powder
• Ghee or oil for cooking

Here is a step-by-step guide to making Puran Poli:

1. Wash the split chickpeas (chana dal) and soak them in water for about 2 hours. Drain the water and cook the soaked dal in a pressure cooker with enough water until soft.
2. Once the dal is cooked, drain any excess water and mash it using a potato masher or a blender. Set it aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat the jaggery with a little water until it melts completely.
4. Add the mashed dal to the melted jaggery and mix well. Cook this mixture on medium heat until it thickens and starts to leave the sides of the pan.
5. Add cardamom powder and nutmeg powder to the mixture and mix well. Remove from heat and let it cool.
6. In a mixing bowl, take the wheat flour and add water gradually to make a soft dough. Knead the dough well until it becomes smooth and pliable.
7. Divide the dough and the filling into equal-sized portions.
8. Take one portion of the dough and roll it into a small disk. Place one portion of the filling in the center of the disk and bring the edges of the dough together to seal the filling completely.
9. Roll out the stuffed dough into a thin flatbread.
10. Cook the Puran Poli on a hot griddle, applying ghee or oil on both sides until golden brown spots appear.
11. Repeat the same process for the remaining portions of dough and filling to make more Puran Polis.
12. Serve the Puran Poli warm with ghee or milk.

5. What is Shrikhand?

Shrikhand is a creamy and sweet dessert made with strained yogurt, sugar, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts. It is a popular dish not only during Gudi Padwa but also on other festive occasions in Maharashtra. The yogurt is hung in a muslin cloth to remove excess water, and then sugar and flavorings are added to it. The mixture is then chilled and served as a dessert. Shrikhand is usually garnished with chopped nuts like almonds and pistachios, and sometimes with a sprinkle of edible rose petals.

Conclusion

Gudi Padwa is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Maharashtra, and food plays a significant role in the festivities. The traditional recipes like Puran Poli and Shrikhand are prepared and enjoyed by families and friends during this auspicious occasion. The authentic flavors and aromatic spices used in these dishes make them truly special. Whether it's the indulgent sweetness of Puran Poli or the creamy richness of Shrikhand, these recipes are a treat for the taste buds. So, gather your loved ones, prepare these traditional Gudi Padwa recipes, and celebrate the joyous festival with food and togetherness!