Thank You God For Everything We Get To Eat

October 16, 2017

Festivals and food go hand in hand, name any occasion and you will find a few special and exclusive dishes associated with it. Annakoot is a unique festival that commemorates uncountable blessings of Mother Nature and food is certainly an important one. This religious day is celebrated not only to gratify Lord Krishna for his heroic act of lifting the huge Govardhan Parvat to save his devotees from the torrential downpour, but it also calls for showing respect to the bountiful nature that provides us food and everything we need to survive and thrive. With the same spirit of gratefulness and reverence, offerings are made to the Almighty in the form of grandiose salvers that are beautifully arranged with array of simple yet flavoursome dishes prepared from natural food grains.



Traditionally an array of 56 items (Chappan Bhog) including sweets, lentils, vegetables and savoury dishes is offered in tiers in front of the deities on this auspicious day. Here are a few symbolic delicacies that can be prepared easily at home or relished at your nearby eateries.

Baajre Ki Khichdi



With mildly spicy flavours and thick-fluid consistency, Bajra Khichdi is a typical Rajsthani dish. It is mostly prepared in the North Western states not only for festivals but also to relish as homemade recipe. Bajra is pounded and cooked with Moong Dal, tempered with various spices and served with a topping of ghee making this simple homely dish incredibly delicious and satisfying.

Dahi Bada



Another dish which is easy to prepare and can be considered for Annakoot offerings is Dahi Bada. The preparation of this less spicy, tangy and tasty dish involves grinding of soaked Urad Dal and Moong Dal. The fritters are immersed in thick curd and topped with green & sour tamarind sauce, roasted cumin seeds, black salt and pepper.

Boiled Moong



Easiest to prepare and simple in taste, Moong make an integral part of the holy Annakoot offerings. It does not require any cooking or tempering. Whole Moong is soaked in water, boiled and the dish is ready. Except salt, it is not spiced at all yet this simple delicacy goes very well with the rest of the Annakoot platter.

Besan Ki Barfi



Similar in taste and preparation like Besan Laddoo, Besan Barfi is also a grinded gram flour delicacy. The Ghee roasted flour, mixed with sugar syrup is spread on a butter rubbed tray and cut into pieces when cooled. The topping of crunchy dry fruits make it more special and toothsome, making it one of the preferred offerings.

Aate Ka Halwa



Loaded with clarified butter and topped with almonds and cashews, this extremely simple wheat flour sweet pudding when included in the offerings is like a cherry on the cake. Its deliciousness and enticing aroma has the power to please even the deity, so, making you drool is sure.

Meetha Daliya



Daliya is a mildly sweet delicacy prepared on this day. Broken wheat is roasted in clarified butter/ghee and then pressure cooked. It is sweetened with jaggery before readying up for the final offerings. Though simple in texture and preparation this sweet pudding is healthy and tasty as well.

Thor



One of the favourites of Lord Krishna, Thor is a sweet dish making an integral festival delight. Plain wheat flour pan cakes are dipped in cardamom flavoured sugar syrup before serving in the festive salvers. Easily prepared with natural ingredients this delicacy is a must try.

Daal



Boiled Moong Daal tempered with just cumin seeds, mustard seeds and green chilies, tastes incredibly delicious without the use of any extra spices or flavours. When served with steamed rice, this simple Moong Daal packs a punch with flavour. Beyond taste, it is also a great source of proteins, to keep us fit during the long festivity.

Kadhi



Little bit tangy and spicy, Kadhi is a delicate curry of gram flour and buttermilk. Mild spices and a tempering of red chilies and curry leaves, lends an enticing taste making it one of the essential dishes to be offered on the holy altar. The combination of simple steamed rice and Kadhi is considered as light yet lip smacking.

Meethe Chawal



Sweetened with cardamom and saffron flavoured sugar syrup, Meethe Chawal(Sweet rice) is a popular recipe mostly prepared on festivities and especially on this day to thank God. Prepared within no time, without any special and exotic ingredients, this simple sweet dish can keep you craving for more.

Annakoot Sabzi



And the most integral of all, Annakoot Sabzi is what you need to complete your offerings. A grand combination of almost all the seasonal vegetables available, spiced up with little bit of regular spices make this curry ethereal. First offered to Lord Krishna and then savoured as Prasad, Annakoot Sabzi holds a deep religious significance.