Gudi Padwa is a traditional new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus. It is celebrated in and near Maharashtra and Goa on the first day of the Chaitra month to mark the beginning of the New year according to the lunisolar Hindu calendar. The word padava comes from the Sanskrit word pratipada which refers to the first day of a lunar fortnight.
During this festival a special flag with garland, mango and neem leaves which is topped with silver or copper vessel above can be seen in every household. Gudhi Padva signifies the arrival of spring and to the reaping of Rabi crops.
Lets me lists the popular recipes cooked and served during the festival of Gudi Padwa:
1. Puran poli
2. Shrikand
3. Kothimbir Vadi
4. Aam panna
1. Puran Poli :
Puran Poli is the most popular Maharashtrian delicacy made mostly in all the festivals may it be Ganesh Chaturthi, Holi and even Gudi Padwa.
How to Prepare :
Rinse the chana dal, soak it for 1 hour, drain the water and pressure cook for 7 whistle.
Heat ghee in pan, add ginger powder, nutmeg powder, cardamom powder, fennel powder. Fry for few seconds on low heat. Add Cooked chana dal and grated jaggery, stir on low flame until mixture becomes thick.
Take whole wheat flour add salt and mix it well, add water and ghee. Knead the dough and cover it for 15-20 mins. Mash the puran mixture very well with a potato masher.
Take medium size ball, roll it 2 to 3 inches then place puran mixture on the center and roll the dough.
Heat the pan, spread some ghee. Place the rolled dough on the pan cook until brown.
You can serve puran poli warm with milk, ghee or curd.
2. Shrikand :
Shrikhand is a delicious and simple dessert recipe made with thick yogurt flavored with sugar, saffron and cardamom.
How to Prepare :
Take a muslin cloth pour the curd, strain the water from the curd. Hold the four edges of the cloth, tie on one edge tightly and allow it to rest. Gently press to start the whey dripping. Allow it drain for 4 hours.
Take the hung curd in a bowl add fined sugar and stir lightly, add saffron steeped milk and powdered cardamom.
You can the beat the curd with the electric beater or blend it in a mixer grinder. Serve it chilled.
3. Kothimbir Vadi
Kothimbir Vadi is a crispy fritter made from coriander leaves and chickpea flour.
It is a snack served as a part of meal. It is mainly prepared during the festive time.
How to Prepare:
Take the Chick peas flour in a bowl add sesame seeds, coriander leaves, peanut powder, chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, sugar and salt. Add water and make a thick paste.
Heat 2 tbsps oil and add to the paste. Grease a deep platter and spread the paste evenly.
Steam for 15 minutes in an idli steamer or pressure cooker, without using the weight
Remove and let it cool down. Cut into diamond shaped pieces. Again heat oil and deep fry the pieces.
4. Aam panna
Aam Panna is a homemade cold drink made from unripe green mangoes. It is tangy and sweet drink.
How to Prepare:
Cook the riped mangoes in a pressure cooker.
Peel the mangoes, take only the pulp using a spoon and put it in a bowl.
Add jaggery/sugar, cardamom powder, roasted cumin powder, black pepper powder and salt.
Mix it well and blend it.
Add water and its ready to drink.
Happy Gudi Padwa...