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Panjiri is a traditional North Indian sweet dish that is particularly popular in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This wholesome and nutritious delicacy is often associated with postpartum care and winter nourishment due to its rich ingredients that provide warmth and strength to the body. Made from whole wheat flour, ghee, sugar, and a variety of nuts and seeds, Panjiri is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits, making it a favoured choice for both special occasions and daily consumption.

What sets Panjiri apart is its unique blend of ingredients that are carefully toasted and mixed to create a flavorful and aromatic sweet. The preparation begins with roasting whole wheat flour in a generous amount of ghee until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty fragrance. To this, various crunchy nuts such as almonds and cashews are added, along with seeds like melon seeds, lotus seeds and pumpkin seeds, all of which are toasted to enhance their flavour. Often, dried fruits like raisins and dried coconut (copra) are included for additional sweetness and texture. The mixture is then sweetened with jaggery and sometimes flavoured with cardamom and edible gum (gond), which adds to its health benefits and unique texture. The final product is a crumbly, fragrant mixture that melts in the mouth, offering a delightful blend of sweet and nutty flavours.

Beyond its delightful taste, Panjiri holds significant cultural and nutritional importance. Traditionally, it is given to new mothers to help them recover post childbirth, as its ingredients are believed to aid in lactation, boost energy levels, and strengthen the body. The inclusion of ghee and nuts provides essential fats and proteins, while the whole wheat flour offers dietary fiber and carbohydrates. Panjiri is also consumed during the winter months, as its warming ingredients help to keep the body warm and energized. This makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for its health benefits as well as its comforting taste.

See also Garam Masala

Panjiri is more than just a sweet dish; it represents the wisdom of Indian culinary traditions that prioritize both taste and nutrition. The use of natural and wholesome ingredients reflects the ancient practices of using food as medicine, providing not only sustenance but also promoting overall health and well-being. This makes Panjiri a cherished dish in many Indian households, passed down through generations with love and care. It is often prepared during festivals and special occasions, symbolizing the sharing of health and happiness.

In essence, Panjiri embodies the rich culinary heritage of India, combining simple ingredients to create a dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Its unique preparation method and the careful selection of ingredients ensure that it is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a boon for health. Whether enjoyed as a snack, a dessert, or a dietary supplement, Panjiri continues to be a beloved part of Indian cuisine, celebrating the harmony of flavor and nutrition.

In conclusion, Panjiri is a testament to the holistic approach of Indian cooking, where food is seen as a source of nourishment for the body and soul. Its rich, nutty flavor, combined with its numerous health benefits, makes it a versatile and cherished dish. Whether prepared for new mothers, enjoyed during the winter, or shared during festivals, Panjiri remains a symbol of love, care, and the enduring traditions of Indian culinary art.

Panjiri

Table of Contents

Indulge in the wholesome and nutritious taste of Panjiri, a traditional Indian sweet made from roasted whole wheat flour, ghee, and a mix of nuts and seeds, sweetened with jaggery. Often enjoyed during the winter months and postpartum period for its warming properties and energy-boosting ingredients, Panjiri is rich in essential nutrients and flavours. With its crumbly texture and aromatic blend of spices like cardamom, Panjiri makes for a delightful and healthy snack. Savor this classic treat, perfect for celebrations or as a daily nutritional boost, bringing the goodness of tradition to your table.

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Special

Cuisine Indian

Servings 25 people

Calories 24 kcal

Equipment

Vessel
Spatula
Measuring Cups
Plate

Ingredients

½ cup Ghee
¼ cup Almonds
¼ cup Cashews
¼ cup Edible Gum
1 cup Wheat Flour
2 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds
2 tbsp Melon Seeds
¼ cup Raisins
1 cup Lotus Seeds
1 tsp Cardamom Powder
2 tbsp Dry Ginger Powder
½ cup Grated Jaggery

Instructions

Take a vessel and heat ½ cup Ghee on medium flame.
Lower the flame and fry ¼ cup Almonds until they are crunchy. Collect in a plate.
Now fry ¼ cup Cashews until crunchy. Collect in the plate.
Now fry ¼ cup Edible Gum until they are crunchy and pinkish in colour. Collect in a plate.
Add 1 cup Wheat Flour and roast in the ghee until it cooks half. It took 3 minutes.
Now add 2 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds, 2 tbsp Melon Seeds, ¼ cup Raisins and 1 cup Lotus Seeds, Mix it and roast on low flame until they are crunchy. It took 3 minutes.
Turn off the flame and remove the vessel. Keep stirring for 3 more minutes.
Now add 1 tsp Cardamom Powder, 2 tbsp Dry Ginger Powder and fried Almonds and Cashews. Mix it gently.
Now mash fried Edible gum and mix it in the mixture.
Add ½ cup Grated Jaggery and mix it. Mix with hands thoroughly. Panjiri is Ready.