Chandigarh, February 1 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): Vasant Panchami commemorates the onset of spring season and the veneration of Goddess Saraswati. The offering to the Goddess includes milk, rice, curd, ghee and butter. The delicious bhogs, mostly yellow in colour, consist of preparations which are beneficial for the well-being.
Prepared with devotion and reverence, they are believed to usher in wisdom and abundance. Dishes like khichdi, meethe chawal, sesame/besan laddoos are nutrient-rich, easy n the stomach, are anti-inflammatory, and boost energy and immunity.
Meethe Chawal
By Chef Virendra Rawat, Founder, Good Food Concept
Ingredients:
Basmati rice 1 cup
Sugar/jaggery ½ cup
Clarified butter/ghee 3tbsp
Saffron soaked in milk a few strands
Tej patta/bayleaf 1
Cardamom powder ¼ tsp
Cinnamon 1 small stick
Cloves 2 to 3
Dry fruits (cashews, raisins, almonds)
Method:
Soak rice for 1 hour, drain and keep aside.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan, add 2 tbsp ghee.
Sauté dry fruits and keep aside.
Sauté whole spices, introduce rice with 2 glasses of water and cook.
Cook the rice really well else adding sugar will harden the rice.
Once rice is cooked, add sugar/jaggery and stir well.
Keep stirring till it forms a homogenous mixture.
Summary: Celebrate Vasant Panchami with these 5 nutritious bhog recipes, perfect for enjoying the spring festival while maintaining a healthy diet.