Bhogali Bihu 2024: Savor the Celebration with 3 Delectable Sweet and Spicy Recipes
Introduction: Bhogali Bihu, also known as Magh Bihu, is a festival celebrated with great zeal, marking the culmination of the harvest season. This joyous occasion is characterized by vibrant festivities, renewal, and, of course, indulgent feasts. As Magh Bihu approaches on January 16 this year, it’s time to delve into the heart of the celebration with lip-smacking recipes that perfectly complement the spirit of Bhogali Bihu.
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The Significance of Bhogali Bihu and Traditional Preparations
Bhogali Bihu is a time when families come together to bid adieu to the old and embrace the new. The festival revolves around delectable delicacies made from freshly harvested ingredients like rice, jaggery, sesame, and coconut. The two-day celebration kicks off with Uruka, the eve of Magh Bihu, where an elaborate spread of traditional dishes is prepared and enjoyed around a warm bonfire. The next day begins with a delightful breakfast called ‘jalpaan,’ featuring dishes like ‘chira’ (flattened rice), akhoi (puffed rice), fresh curd, and jaggery. The highlight is the symbolic bonfire or ‘meji,’ where old belongings are burnt, symbolizing a fresh start.
Recipe 1: Shakar Para – Crispy Diamond-Shaped Delight
Ingredients:
l 250 gm plain white flour
l 250-300 gm clarified butter or ghee or cooking oil
l Water to make dough
l 500 gm sugar
l 2 cups water for the syrup
l Oil for deep frying
Method:
l Combine flour and ghee to form a stiff dough. Rest it covered for 10 minutes.
l Roll the dough into golf-sized balls, flatten it into circles, and cut it into diamond shapes.
l Fry in oil until light brown and crisp.
l Boil sugar and water for the syrup until it reaches a 3-wire consistency.
l Dip the fried ‘pare’ in the syrup, ensuring each piece is coated.
l Allow to cool and serve or store in an airtight container.
Recipe 2: Kesari Sheera – A Saffron-Infused Semolina Delight
Ingredients:
l Semolina (suji) – 100 gm
l Pure Ghee – 20 gm
l Milk full cream – 200 ml
l Saffron – 5 threads
l Cardamom powder – 50 gm
l Chopped cashews, almonds, and raisins mixed – 50 gm
Method:
l Heat ghee, roast nuts until golden, and set aside.
l Roast semolina until aromatic and golden.
l Add milk, saffron, cardamom powder, and cook until the milk is absorbed.
l Add sugar, stir until absorbed, and top with ghee and nuts.
l Serve hot or cold, garnished with saffron strands and nuts.
Recipe 3: Khajoor Ki Chutney – Spicy Date Relish
Ingredients:
l 1/2 kilo dates (khajoor)
l 2 teaspoons fresh ginger (adrak), cut into thin long strips
l 4 teaspoons salt (namak)
l 1 cup sugar (cheeni)
l 6 teaspoons raisins (kishmish)
l 1 1/2 to 2 cups vinegar (sirka)
l 1/4 cup blanched almonds (badam)
l 2 cloves (lavang)
l 2 big cardamoms (elaichi moti)
l 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (dalchini)
l 1/4 teaspoon red chilli pepper (lal mirchi)
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Method:
l Stone the dates and cut them in halves.
l Cook dates, ginger, spices, salt, chilli powder, and vinegar until the dates are tender.
l Add sugar and cook until the mixture thickens.
l Remove from heat, add raisins, and almonds, and stir well.
l Pour into clean jars while hot, cork tightly, and enjoy once cooled.
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Conclusion: Celebrate Bhogali Bihu with Culinary Delights
As Bhogali Bihu approaches, immerse yourself in the joyous celebration with these delightful recipes that reflect the rich culinary traditions of the festival. Whether it’s the crispy Shakar Para, saffron-infused Kesari Sheera, or the spicy Khajoor Ki Chutney, these dishes are sure to add flavour and warmth to your festive spread. Embrace the spirit of renewal, feasting, and togetherness as you usher in a new beginning with Bhogali Bihu 2024.
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