Panjiri: Description and Nutritional Value
Description: This version of Panjiri is a nutritious and flavorful variation of the traditional Indian sweet dish. It is made using a blend of unique ingredients such as lotus seeds (makhana), coriander seeds, cashews, almonds, and crushed coconut. Each ingredient adds its own distinct flavor and nutritional benefits, making this Panjiri not only a delicious treat but also a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Typically, this mixture is roasted in ghee and sweetened with sugar or jaggery, and sometimes flavored with spices like cardamom. Panjiri is commonly consumed during the winter months and is a popular snack for postpartum recovery, as it is believed to provide strength, warmth, and vitality.
Key Ingredients and Their Nutritional Benefits:
- Lotus Seeds (Makhana):
- Description: Lotus seeds are a common ingredient in Indian snacks and sweets. They are low in calories and have a light, airy texture when roasted.
- Nutritional Value: Lotus seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. They are known for their antioxidant properties and are good for heart health and controlling blood sugar levels. They also help promote a healthy digestive system.
- Coriander Seeds:
- Description: Coriander seeds are commonly used in Indian cooking for their aromatic flavor. When roasted and ground, they add a mild, citrusy taste to Panjiri.
- Nutritional Value: Coriander seeds are a source of dietary fiber, iron, magnesium, and manganese. They have anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, and are known to help regulate blood sugar levels and support healthy cholesterol levels.
- Cashews:
- Description: Cashews are creamy, mildly sweet nuts that add a rich texture and taste to Panjiri.
- Nutritional Value: Cashews are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health. They are also a source of protein, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. These nuts support bone health, improve brain function, and provide antioxidant protection.
- Almonds:
- Description: Almonds are popular nuts used in many Indian desserts. They provide a nutty flavor and crunchy texture.
- Nutritional Value: Almonds are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber. They help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and provide a good source of protein. Almonds are also beneficial for skin health and can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Crushed Coconut:
- Description: Coconut is used in its dried or fresh form in Panjiri, offering a distinct flavor and chewy texture.
- Nutritional Value: Crushed coconut is rich in healthy saturated fats (medium-chain triglycerides), which provide quick energy. It also contains dietary fiber, iron, and copper. Coconut helps improve digestion, supports healthy metabolism, and enhances immune function.
Health Benefits:
Panchamrit: Description and Nutritional Value
Description: Panchamrit, also known as Panchamrut, is a sacred offering traditionally prepared during Hindu rituals and poojas. The word "Panchamrit" translates to "five nectars," symbolizing the combination of five key ingredients: milk, curd (yogurt), ghee, honey, and sugar. Each ingredient in Panchamrit holds symbolic and health significance: milk represents purity, yogurt provides nourishment, ghee signifies strength, honey stands for sweetness, and sugar (often added as jaggery) symbolizes happiness. Panchamrit is considered a divine drink, offered to deities, and then distributed as prasad to devotees.
Nutritional Value: Panchamrit is not only a spiritual offering but also a nutrient-rich drink:
- Rich in Calcium and Protein: The milk and yogurt in Panchamrit are excellent sources of calcium and protein, essential for bone health and muscle maintenance.
- Healthy Fats: Ghee provides healthy fats that are easily digestible and help in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
- Antioxidant Properties: Honey is known for its antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and improve immunity.
- Probiotics: The yogurt in Panchamrit contains probiotics that promote gut health and aid digestion.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Panchamrit is a source of vitamins like B-complex vitamins from yogurt and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc, which contribute to overall well-being.
- Energy and Vitality: The natural sugars from honey and jaggery provide a quick energy boost and help maintain blood sugar levels.
Summary
Both Panjiri and Panchamrit are traditional recipes rooted in Indian culture, offering not just unique flavors but also significant health benefits. While Panjiri is an energy-rich, nutritious snack suitable for postpartum women and as a winter food, Panchamrit is a sacred drink that provides nourishment and has symbolic value in spiritual practices. Incorporating these wholesome preparations into your diet can offer both physical and spiritual nourishment.
Find out recipe details below:
Ingredients for Panjiri:-
Coriander Seeds - 1 cup
Cashews - 15 nos
Almonds - 15 nos
Lotus Seeds - 1 cup
Crushed Coconut - 1/2 cup
Cardamom Powder - 1/2 tsp
Rock Sugar Powder - 1/2 cup
Homemade Ghee - 2 tbsp for roasting lotus seeds cashews and almonds and 1 tbsp for crushed coconut. And once the mixture then also add 1 tbsp ghee.
Dryfruits for garnishing
Serves - 4-5
Procedure:-
Dry Roast Coriander Seeds:
Heat a pan on medium heat and dry roast the coriander seeds until they become fragrant and turn slightly brown.
Remove from the pan and allow them to cool.
Once cooled, grind them into a fine powder and set aside.
Roast Cashews and Almonds:
In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp of homemade ghee. < br/>
Roast the cashews and almonds until they are golden brown and fragrant.
Once done, remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
Once cool, coarsely crush them.
Roast Lotus Seeds (Makhana):
In the same pan with remaining ghee, add the lotus seeds and roast them until they become crisp and lightly golden.
Set aside.
Roast Coconut:
Add 1 tbsp of ghee to the pan and roast the crushed coconut until it turns golden and releases a nutty aroma.
Set aside.
Final Ghee Addition and Mixing Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the ground coriander seed powder, roasted lotus seeds, roasted cashews, almonds, and roasted coconut together.
Heat 1/4 cup of ghee and drizzle it over the mixture.
Mix everything well, ensuring that the ghee coats all the ingredients evenly.
Add the cardamom powder and rock sugar powder.
Mix well.
Serve
Once everything is well-mixed, allow it to cool completely.
Your Panjiri is ready for Prasad.
Milk - 1 cup
Honey - 2 tsp
Jaggery - 2 tsp
Curd - 2 tsp
Homemade Ghee - 2 tsp
Serves - 4-5
Preparation:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl or glass.
This preparation is soothing and packed with the goodness of honey, jaggery, curd, and ghee.
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