Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurupurab is the sacred festival that marks the birthday of Sikhism’s first Guru – Guru Nanak Dev Ji. On this wonderful day, people are encouraged to be humble equal and take turns to share things. The cooking of langar, a communal meal that promotes harmony and unity, is one of the celebration's most important parts. Everyone is welcome to participate in the langar, which is provided without charge, regardless of background. In addition to cooking, planning a langar entails making sure that the service ethic is maintained. Making a range of delicacies, from sweet kheer to flavourful dal, will help those wishing to celebrate this auspicious day create a genuinely unforgettable event. Below are seven authentic traditional langar recipes and they epitomise this divine feast as we prepare for this significant event.
Kadha Prasad
In Sikh traditions, the blessed sweet offering known as Kadha Prasad has great spiritual importance. Equal amounts of wheat flour, ghee, and sugar are needed for this beautiful recipe, which is changed through a cooking procedure similar to meditation. To make a smooth, fragrant halwa, the secret is to whisk constantly over medium heat until the ghee starts to separate from the mixture. Since the prasad is cooked while prayers are being recited, the process requires patience and commitment. All guests at the gurudwara are customarily given this auspicious offering, which represents equality and the guru's blessings.
Image Credit: Sneha Biswas
Langarwali Dal
A staple in any Sikh community kitchen, langarwali dal is a filling lentil meal that perfectly captures the spirit of communal eating. This high-protein dish includes perfectly cooked slow-cooked black urad dal. Ghee, cumin seeds, and aromatic spices are tempered before tomatoes and onions are sautéed till golden, and then the magic starts. Next, the dal is simmered for hours so that the lentils soften and break down and give you a thick, buttery consistency. The passion and commitment that go into langar service are reflected in the preparation's patience.
Image Credit: Creative Commons
Aloo Gobhi Ki Sabzi
A famous Punjabi dish called aloo gobhi adds flavour and brightness to your Gurupurab feast. This simple yet tasty mix of cauliflower and potatoes reflects the healthfulness and simplicity of langar cuisine. The natural flavours of the veggies are enhanced by the sparing use of spices during cooking. Cumin seeds are first cracked in heated oil, then turmeric, coriander, and a small amount of garam masala. The vegetables are then simmered gently until tender to make the food thick as well as juicy and very nutritious. This sabzi is a perfect example of how, sometimes, these simple ingredients can give wonderful tastes when prepared well.
Image Credit: Freepik
Rice and Roti
Without rice and roti, no Indian meal is complete. Perfectly cooked rice and hot, fresh rotis are the foundations of any langar meal. The rice is made simply but carefully so that every grain stays distinct and fluffy. Made with whole wheat flour, the rotis are rolled out and grilled on a hot tawa until they are perfectly browned and swelled up. In order to guarantee that each guest receives hot, fresh bread and rice with their meal, these staples are continuously made throughout the langar service.
Rajma
A favourite among the Langar people, rajma is a curry that is high in protein and has a great taste. After being soaked overnight, the kidney beans are cooked slowly with tomatoes, onions, and flavourful spices. The secret to making the ideal rajma is to simmer it slowly so that the beans absorb the gravy's flavours and become butter-soft. This is a filling dish which shows care and affection towards the people as well as a meal.
Kheer
Kheer, a traditional Indian rice pudding, is the ideal way to round off your langar. A feast would not be complete without dessert. Made with only rice, sugar and pure milk, this delicious rice pudding is topped with dried fruits and cardamom. The rice is fully broken down by the slow cooking method, resulting in a rich, creamy dessert. Nuts give a different flavour to the dish, while cardamom gives a different aroma. The sweetness of social gatherings and sharing is symbolised by this dish.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Seasonal Fruits
A staple of the langar meal, fresh seasonal fruits provide natural sweetness and nourishment. These are presented exactly as is, honouring the abundance of nature and its inherent flavours. Providing necessary vitamin and mineral needs, some healthy additions include oranges, pomegranates, bananas and apples. It is as simple as receiving Nature’s Gifts by reminding one what good and fresh fruits, in particular, are appropriate to the season.
Image Credit: Freepik
By preparing these seven mouth-watering dishes, you can ensure you have a memorable and meaningful Guru Nanak Jayanti festival promoting the idea of langar and sharing.