Makar Sankranti: Traditional Sweet Dishes You Must Try
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India celebrates Makar Sankranti, a colourful celebration that celebrates the sun's entry into Capricorn. Happiness, reunions among families, and a range of traditional treats are all associated with this important day. Families and communities come together in celebration of Makar Sankranti, which marks the beginning of the sun's journey north. Kite flying, bonfires, and a variety of delectable dishes—especially sweets made with seasonal ingredients like sesame seeds and jaggery—are all part of the celebration. Enjoy these seven delicious treats during Makar Sankranti. A treasured custom that increases the joyful mood is sharing these sweet treats with loved ones.

Patishapta Pitha

A popular Bengali treat that symbolises the sophisticated culinary customs of eastern India is patishapta pitha.  There are many skills required in making these crepes which are made from rice flour and have a filling of coconut and khoya. The filling must have the ideal ratio of rich to sweet, and the batter must be ideally thin. Precise rolling of the crepes results in beautiful cylinders that highlight the filling. This meal, which blends newly harvested rice with winter specialities like date palm jaggery, is especially special during Makar Sankranti. Its holiday appeal is further enhanced by the optional drizzle of reduced milk and the addition of cardamom.

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Sakkarai Pongal

In South India, Sakkarai Pongal, the sweet version of the harvest festival, is made using freshly harvested rice, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee. The time the pot boils over is seen as an auspicious beginning, and the preparation is revered. Achieving the ideal consistency with the jaggery syrup and roasting the moong dal to perfection calls for careful attention to detail. The addition of cashews, raisins and cardamom gives depth to the texture and taste. This meal is a staple of the festival festivities since it represents gratitude and wealth.

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Puran Poli

A traditional Maharashtrian sweet flatbread, puran poli is filled with split chickpeas (chana dal) and jaggery. This delicious special of the winter months is also the perfect balance of sweet and spicy because of the inclusion of nutmeg and cardamom. Traditionally, puran poli is served hot with milk or ghee.  In order to create a sweet filling, the chana dal must be cooked until it is tender, then mashed and combined with jaggery. Before being baked on a hot griddle, the dough is rolled out to protect this filling. As families gather to make this beloved dish during Makar Sankranti, puran poli is more than simply a treat, it is a symbol of love and care.

Til Ke Ladoo

Traditional Indian desserts called til ke ladoo are created with roasted sesame seeds combined with sugar or jaggery. Popular during winter festivities like Makar Sankranti, these little spherical balls are not only tasty but also rich in nutrients. Sesame seeds are first roasted till golden brown, and then they are combined with melted jaggery to create a sticky substance that can be formed into ladoos. During the event, friends and family frequently exchange Til Ke Ladoo as mementoes of goodwill, symbolising prosperity.  They are an appetising treat because of the crispiness and sweetness it brings whenever it is eaten.

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Rewari

Another delicious treat is rewari, which is formed from sesame seeds that have been covered in jaggery syrup. During Makar Sankranti, this crispy treat is particularly popular in North India. Sweet jaggery, along with crispy sesame seeds, makes it the perfect snack, both delicious and highly healthy.Rewari is made by boiling jaggery until it hardens into a ball and then adding roasted sesame seeds. After allowing the mixture to cool, it is spread out and then sliced into little pieces. Rewari is ideal for this festive time, both for sweet tooths and as a source of energy to use in the cold winter times.

Pinni

Whole wheat flour, ghee, jaggery, and a variety of nuts, including pistachios and almonds, are the ingredients of pinni, a healthful Punjabi dessert. Because of its nutritional advantages, this energising delicacy is frequently consumed during Makar Sankranti. Pinni is made by roasting whole wheat flour in ghee until it becomes fragrant, then combining it with crushed nuts and jaggery syrup to create dough-like balls. With all the extra layers of flavour and softness, they bring the cosiness to winter celebrations. During Makar Sankranti, sharing pinni among family members celebrates the spirit of unity and represents love and care.

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Makar Chaula

Freshly harvested rice is boiled with milk, jaggery, grated coconut, nuts and dry fruits to make Makar Chaula, an Odia speciality.  To make a thick pudding-like consistency, the rice is first cooked until it is fluffy and then combined with milk and additional ingredients. Makar Chaula's cultural significance is highlighted by the fact that it is frequently offered to the gods as part of festival rituals. It is an amazing delicacy that perfectly embodies Makar Sankranti celebrations because of its creamy texture and the sweetness of jaggery.