Janmashtami is not just a time for devotion and celebration but also for enjoying a variety of traditional and delectable dishes. These recipes are often prepared for devotees observing fasting, offering both nourishment and spiritual satisfaction. Here are some delightful dishes that you can prepare and enjoy during this auspicious occasion:
1. Kheer (Rice Pudding)
Ingredients:
1 cup rice
1 liter milk
1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup cashews
1/4 cup almonds
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
A few strands of saffron (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil.
Add the soaked rice to the boiling milk and cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens (about 30-40 minutes).
Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron. Mix well.
In a separate pan, lightly roast the raisins, cashews, and almonds.
Add the roasted nuts and raisins to the kheer. Mix and cook for a few more minutes.
Serve warm or chilled.
2. Sabudana Khichdi
Ingredients:
1 cup sabudana (tapioca pearls)
2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 green chili, chopped
1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) or oil
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
Rinse the sabudana thoroughly and soak it in water for about 2-3 hours.
Drain the water and set the sabudana aside.
Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Once they crackle, add chopped green chili and ginger.
Add diced potatoes and cook until they are tender.
Add the soaked sabudana to the pan and mix well.
Cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the sabudana turns translucent.
Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Add lemon juice if desired.
Serve warm.
3. Aloo-Puri
Ingredients for Puri:
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons semolina (rava)
A pinch of salt
Water as needed
Oil for deep frying
Ingredients for Aloo (Potato Curry):
4-5 medium potatoes, boiled and mashed
1 tablespoon ghee or oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
Instructions:
For Puri:
Mix the whole wheat flour, semolina, and salt in a bowl.
Add water gradually and knead into a soft dough.
Divide the dough into small balls and roll them out into small circles.
Heat oil in a pan and fry the puris until they puff up and turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
For Aloo:
Heat ghee or oil in a pan and add cumin seeds and mustard seeds. Let them splutter.
Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well.
Add the mashed potatoes and mix thoroughly.
Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
Season with salt and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Serve hot with puris.
4. Fruit Chaat
Ingredients:
2 apples, diced
2 bananas, sliced
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1 cup grapes, halved
1 orange, segmented
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
A pinch of chaat masala (optional)
Instructions:
Combine all the fruits in a large bowl.
Drizzle with lemon juice and honey (if using).
Sprinkle with chaat masala if desired.
Toss gently to mix all the ingredients.
Serve immediately.
5. Paneer Tikka
Ingredients:
200 grams paneer (cottage cheese), cubed
1 cup thick yogurt
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
1 tablespoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions:
In a bowl, mix yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt.
Add paneer cubes to the marinade and coat well. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
Thread the marinated paneer cubes onto skewers.
Grill the skewers on a preheated grill or oven until the paneer is golden and slightly charred.
Serve hot with mint chutney.
These recipes not only adhere to the fasting norms but also bring a festive touch to your Janmashtami celebration. Enjoy preparing and savoring these delicious dishes with your family and friends!
