Makar Sankranti celebrates the festival of harvest, seasonal transition, and renewal across India. As the sun starts its northward journey, the food traditions during this time focus on warmth, balance, and nourishment. Khichdi has long been associated with this festival, as it epitomises simplicity, satvik eating, and feeling thankful for newly harvested grains. In many parts of the country, it is believed that cooking khichdi on Makar Sankranti is considered auspicious, promising prosperity and good health for the coming months.
Why Urad Dal Khichdi is ideal for winter and Makar Sankranti
Urad dal has its own importance during the winter. Though it helps warm the body and works as a good digestive if cooked properly, according to health specialists, during Makar Sankranti, as it is still winter, urad dal khichdi proves to be a comfort food that does not feel heavy.Key reasons why urad dal khichdi is preferred include:
- It provides insulation to the body during winter.
- As it is easily digestible and can be cooked slowly,
- It gives long-lasting endurance without weight.
- It fits with festive simplicity and seasonal eating.
Urad dal khichdi ingredients
The beauty of this khichdi lies in its simplicity, with only a few carefully selected ingredients that are chosen for both taste and functionality. The important ingredients are :
- Urad Dal: This is washed and soaked to be used for its high nutritional value as
- Rice, which goes towards making the dal heavy.
- It enhances the diversity of food intake and also aids in digestion
- Ginger, known for its properties in increasing the processes of digestion, also adds to the warming effect
- Asafoetida, utilised in the after
- Turmeric, which is known for its colour as well as its health qualities
- Salt and water, while allowing the development of the flavours to take place naturally, transform
A wholesome meal is thus made out of all these.
Steps to prepare urad dal khichdi for Makar Sankranti
Proper preparation is key to achieving the soft, creamy texture that defines a good khichdi.
Preparation and soaking
- Wash the urad dal and rice thoroughly
- Soak both together for about 20 minutes to ensure even cooking
Tempering and cooking
- Heat the ghee in a pressure cooker
- Add cumin seeds and allow them to crackle gently
- Add a pinch of asafoetida and grated ginger
- Stir in turmeric for colour and aroma
Final cooking process
- Add the soaked dal and rice, stirring lightly
- Add salt and measured water
- Close the lid and cook for 3 to 4 whistles
- Turn off the flame and allow pressure to release naturally
How to serve urad dal khichdi for Makar Sankranti
Urad dal khichdi is best served fresh and hot, making it ideal for winter mornings or midday meals during the festival.Recommended accompaniments
- A spoon of desi ghee on top for richness
- Sesame pickle, aligning with Sankranti traditions
- Fresh curd to balance flavours
- Papad for added texture
Cultural and symbolic meaning of urad dal khichdi on Makar Sankranti
Except for the fact that it has to taste good, urad dal khichdi is an embodiment of the underlying values of Makar Sankranti celebrations. It practices the virtue of mindful eating, adheres to the principles of eating in season, and does not promote indulgence beyond needs.In today’s era of fast foods and extravagant celebrations, the urad dal khichdi comes as a disciplining influence in terms of rhythm and harmony with nature’s cycle. Moreover, it not only helps in strengthening the body but also makes the digestive system calm and comes in tandem with nature’s rhythm. Preparing this khichdi and celebrating it as a festival of Makar Sankranti revives the custom of respect for all three aspects of life: health, ease, and thankfulness.
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