Makar Sankranti is a harvest festival celebrated by Hindus across India. To be celebrated on January 14, 2025, it is known by various names - Magh Bihu in Assam, Peddha Panduga in Andhra Pradesh, Ghughuti in Uttarakhand, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, etc. It also marks the transition of the sun from South to North; hence, it is also dedicated to Lord Surya.
People make delicacies using seasonal ingredients to celebrate the harvest and enjoy the end of winter solstice. Everyone waits eagerly to welcome the spring and rejoice at the sight of blooming plants and flowers. This year, you can celebrate Makar Sankranti by cooking delicious and nutritious millet-based dishes.
Ragi Halwa
Instead of semolina, gram flour, or any other ingredient, use ragi flour to prepare a delightful batch of halwa. You will only need five ingredients to cook the sweet treat in less than 30 minutes. Roast ragi flour in ghee until it releases aroma and combine the blend with jaggery, crushed nuts, and milk. You can also garnish it with cardamom powder for a whiff of earthy notes and a refreshing taste.
Bajra Khichdi
Instead of regular lentils and rice, cook bajra khichdi while celebrating Makar Sankranti 2025. It is a popular dish prepared in Rajasthan throughout the year. It is hearty, nutritious, and keeps you satiated for a long time. You can cook bajra and lentils of your choice in a melange of spices and seasonal veggies. To enhance the flavours of this one-pot meal, temper it with chopped garlic, red chillies, and ginger.
Jowar Roti & Sesame Chutney
The freezing temperature in winter makes it difficult to cook an elaborate meal. Hence, many people prefer making fewer items. Amid this, you can choose to cook jowar roti. Make sure to combine the flour with hot water and keep it aside for 10 minutes before kneading the dough. It will help you make soft roti which you can pair with sesame chutney, a spicy and nutty condiment that can be served with the festive feast.
Millet Ladoo
From ragi to bajra, you can use various grains to make ladoos that are healthy and gluten-free. Replace sugar with jaggery, and you will be able to create healthy treats at home that will surprise every guest during the celebration. Don’t forget to roast the nuts, crush them, and add them to the mixture of ladoo. It enhances rustic notes and adds more nutrients to the dish.
Millet Malpua
If malpua is your go-to sweet dish during festivals, it’s time to experiment with it. While most people prepare it with maida or atta, you should tweak the recipe and make it gluten-free using millet. Bajra to ragi, you can use the flour of your choice to prepare a smooth blend with milk or water. Keep the sugar or jaggery syrup ready and garnish the sweet dish with cardamom powder, sliced almonds, and fresh rose petals. Once you taste the dish, you won’t go back to the older variant.