As we have approached the winter season, you can feel the transition in the temperature. The nights have already become extremely cold and the days are also gradually becoming colder than usual. Winter season demands our body to eat food that is nourishing and warm. If you want to shield yourself from unwanted bacterial and viral diseases, then it is important to consume immunity-boosting food. One seasonal winter treat that you can enjoy exclusively in this cold season is Ponkh or Ponk. This is an extremely popular snack in Gujarat and is made by roasting sorghum grains. There are a plethora of different recipes that you can try making from these roasted sorghum grains.
Also Read: Ponk: A Dry Millet Enjoyed During Winters
Other than Gujarat, it is also very famous in the neighbouring state of Maharashtra and other states like Madhya Pradesh as well. All of these states have different ways of consuming these roasted grains using them along with other ingredients to cook delicious recipes. Let's look at some of the health benefits of eating food consisting of Ponkh during the winter season.
* Nutritious
Ponkh is very nutritious and also rich in fibre. It promotes digestion in the body and is very easy on the stomach. It also helps in building muscles and cell regeneration. Other than all these benefits, Ponkh is also a power-packed food that is high in important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. You also get a great dose of calcium, copper, zinc, iron, and white means like B1, B2, B5, and B6. It is hard to find another superfood that is so delicious and packed with nutrients like this one.
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* Dietary Fibre
If you are planning on cleaning your diet and including food that doesn't give you problems related to digestion or any other gut-related problem then going for Ponkh can be a great idea. As you already know Ponkh is very nutritious and fibrous. So it eventually helps in strengthening the gut and smoothening the process of digestion in the body. Also, since it is so nutritious It helps in controlling the obesity level in the body. It is a great option for people who are looking forward to cutting some calories and still eating delicious food.
* Regulates Insulin Levels
Ponkh is a great source of complex carbohydrates and does not contribute towards shooting up the blood sugar levels in the body. It is great for people who have diabetes and can help in keeping the insulin levels in the body under control. People who are suffering from diabetes can make this a part of their diet for better health and avoid any unfavourable outcomes of an unhealthy diet.
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* High In Antioxidants
Ponkh is very rich in antioxidants and helps in controlling the oxidative stress levels in the body. It gives additional immunity to the body to fight against diseases like diabetes, cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. It is a literal boon to the body and other than providing high nutrition, it also gives protection to the body from any unwanted diseases.
* Lower Cholesterol Levels
Ponkh is great for your heart and is also quite effective in reducing cholesterol levels in the body. If you are facing any problem related to the heart like high blood pressure or blockage then Paunk can be the best snack or meal option for your body. You will get all the necessary nutrients without having to eat anything that compromises the overall well-being of your heart
Dishes To Make With Ponkh
Let us look at some famous Ponkh recipes that you can try making at home to enjoy the taste and nutritional benefits of Ponkh.
* Ponkh Bhel
This is a perfect evening snack option that can be made within a few minutes by simply mixing some spices and freshly chopped vegetables. All you have to do is take some salt, black pepper, lemon juice, onions, tomatoes, green, chilli, chat masala and some flavorful chutneys. Mix all of these ingredients with your roasted paunk and garnish everything with fresh coriander leaves. Ponkh is seasonally available from November and February. The best part is that it is a gluten-free Indian grain that is extremely healthy and budget-friendly.
* Ponkh Chilla
The snack is not just delicious and healthy, but it is also very easy to make. If you are tired of eating your regular chilla, then here is a revamped version of chilla that will do your mind. Just make some rice flour along with Ponkh flour in a blender. Add some spices and vegetables to your batter and pour it on the tawa with a lot of butter or ghee. Always check that your Ponkh grains are green in colour, soft, and without any infestations before using them to cook your food.
These are some simple and amazing recipes that you can try making at home.