Every year, the festival of Janmashtami fills the air with the sweet sounds of devotion for Lord Krishna. Temples are elaborately decorated, and captivating displays evoke awe among devotees. On this auspicious day, Krishna’s followers not only observe fasts but also prepare a variety of offerings, or ‘bhog’, to be presented to the deity. One cherished delicacy that finds a special place in many households is ‘Dhaniya Panjiri’. Since Janmashtami falls on August 26 this year, let’s explore how to make this delightful treat.
Dhaniya Panjiri is not just a festive recipe but a dish commonly made in homes and temples, distributed later among devotees as prasad. The aroma that fills your home while preparing this dish is simply irresistible, making it a favorite during celebrations. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started with the detailed recipe.
Ingredients Required for Dhaniya Panjiri
Preparing this delicious Dhaniya Panjiri for Janmashtami is a breeze! Gather all the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of whole dried coriander (for prasad)
- 3 tablespoons of ghee (clarified butter)
- 8-10 cashews
- 10-12 almonds
- Pistachios
- Makhana (fox nuts)
- Melon seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Dried coconut
- Raisins
- Fresh rose petals (washed)
Note: Feel free to choose nuts according to your preference and budget.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Dhaniya Panjiri
Follow these simple steps to make your delicious Dhaniya Panjiri:
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, add 2 tablespoons of ghee and heat it gently.
- Add the whole dried coriander to the hot ghee and roast it on the lowest heat. Ensure that the coriander does not burn as this will affect the flavor.
- In the remaining ghee, add the cashews, almonds, and any other nuts you’re using. Lightly sauté them until they turn golden brown. Set aside some of the nuts for garnishing later.
- Next, transfer the roasted coriander, remaining nuts, dried coconut, and sautéed mix into a grinder. Grind them into a fine powder.
- Once you’ve achieved a fine texture, allow it to cool down before adding powdered sugar or ‘bura’. Mix well.
Garnishing and Offering the Bhog
To elevate the presentation, garnish the Dhaniya Panjiri with the reserved cashews, almonds, raisins, and a few fresh rose petals. You can also add 2-4 basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Now, your flavorful Dhaniya Panjiri is ready to be offered as bhog to Lord Krishna.
After you perform the aarti and present the prasad, share this delightful treat among your family and friends to celebrate the joyous occasion. It’s a beautiful way to engage everyone in the spirit of Janmashtami and enjoy the rich flavors of this traditional delicacy.
