Welcome, readers! The festive season has started, and it’s the season of vibrant celebrations nationwide. India is a land of diverse cultures, and one such fest that brings us all together is the grand occasion of Janmashtami!
This year, on August 26th, 2024, we will commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Food is integral to any Indian festival, and Janmashtami is no exception. Devotees prepare several special Janmashtami recipes to create “Bhoga” for our beloved Kanha, from “Makkhan Misri” and “Gopalakala” to mouth-watering desserts. These special Janmashtami dishes not only add sweet flavours to the festival but also spread happiness, devotion, and harmony in mind.
As we gear up for this auspicious occasion, let's dive into the world of delectable Janmashtami special recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Whether you're a fan of traditional Janmashtami sweets recipes or looking to experiment with new and healthy flavours, this blog has something for everyone. So, let's indulge in the flavours of Krishna Jayanthi's special recipes as we take you on a culinary journey! Keep reading!
Table Of Contents
1. 5 Janmashtami Special Recipes
2. What Is The Special Food Of Janmashtami?
3. What Is The Main Prasad Of Janmashtami?
4. Dietitian’s Recommendation
5. The Final Say
6. FAQs
7. References
5 Janmashtami Special Recipes
The following are five Janmashtami special recipes that you can easily make at home and enjoy with your family:
1. Kheer
Kheer is a perfectly soothing dish that evokes the spirit of Indian cooking customs and brings back fond memories and joyous moments. Kheer, which may be eaten warm or cold, is a beloved dessert that embodies the grandeur and simplicity of Indian cooking.
Ingredients:
- Milk - 1 Cup
- Rice - 1 tbsp
- Sugar - 2 to 3 tsp
- Chopped Cashews And Almonds - 1 tsp
- Raisins - 1 tsp
- Saffron - 3-4 Strands
- Green Cardamom - 1 tsp
- Grated Coconut For Garnish
Preparation Method:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes before preparing the kheer to soften it.
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, pour 1 cup of milk. Heat the milk over medium flame and bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Once the milk starts boiling, drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling milk. Stir gently to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the rice cook in the milk. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is soft and breaks easily.
- Once the rice is cooked, add 2 to 3 teaspoons of sugar (adjust to your taste). Mix well and let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add chopped cashews, almonds, raisins, saffron strands, and crushed green cardamom to the mixture.
- Continue to simmer the Kheer on low heat until it reaches a creamy consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more milk to adjust the consistency.
- Once done, remove the Kheer from the heat and let it cool slightly. Serve warm or chilled, garnished with some grated coconut on top.
2. Panchamrita
Panch amrita is widely utilised in Hindu religious rituals and ceremonies, particularly during Janmashtami, the festival of Lord Krishna's birth. It consists of five ingredients: milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, and sugar.
Ingredients -
- Curd - 1 Cup
- Milk - 1 tbsp
- Sugar - 1 tsp
- Honey - 1 tsp
- Ghee - 1 tsp
- Mixed Chopped Nuts - 1 tbsp
- Grated Coconut - 1 tbsp
Preparation Method -
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of curd, 1 tbsp of milk, 1 tsp of sugar, 1 tsp of honey, and 1 tsp of ghee. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended.
- Add 1 tsp of mixed chopped nuts and 1 tsp of grated coconut to the mixture. This adds texture and flavour to your Panchamrit.
- Mix everything thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Ensure the nuts and coconut are evenly distributed.
- Pour the Panchamrit into small bowls and offer it as prasad during your Janmashtami celebrations.
**Chill (Optional): If you prefer, you can chill the Panchamrit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This enhances the flavours and makes it refreshing.
3. Panjiri
Panjiri is well known for its toasty, nutty flavour and is usually served at festivals and special events or eaten as a nutritious snack. Panjiri is praised not just for its flavour but also for its restorative and energy-boosting qualities.
Ingredients -
- Whole Wheat Flour - ½ Cup
- Ground Sugar - 1 tbsp
- Ghee - 1 tsp
- Chopped mixed Nuts and Raisins - 1-2 tbsp
Preparation Method -
- In a pan, add 1 tsp of ghee and heat it over low to medium flame until it melts.
- Add ½ cup of whole wheat flour to the pan. Roast the flour in the ghee, stirring continuously, until it turns a light pinkish colour and releases a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once the flour is roasted, add 1 tbsp of ground sugar to the pan. Mix well to combine the sugar with the roasted flour.
- Allow the mixture to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure even mixing and to prevent burning.
- Finally, add 1-2 tbsp of chopped mixed nuts and raisins to the mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly combined. Let it cool slightly before serving.
4. Makhan Mishri
A classic Indian offering to Lord Krishna called makhan mishri blends sugar’s sweetness and crystalline texture (mishri) with the rich, creamy flavour of butter (makhan). This delightfully simple dish is often served as a sign of hospitality and celebration.
Ingredients -
- Homemade White Butter - ½ Cup
- Mishri - ½ tsp
- Chopped Almonds, Cashews, Pistachio And Raisins - 1 tbsp
- Few Kesar Strands
Preparation Method -
- In a bowl, combine ½ cup of homemade white butter and ½ tsp of mishri. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in 1 tsp of chopped mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios, and raisins) and a few strands of kesar. Ensure everything is evenly distributed in the mixture.
- Mix well, and Makhan Mishri is ready!
5. Shrikhand
This dish, which originated in Gujarat and Maharashtra, is usually flavoured with cardamom and saffron and frequently topped with fruits and nuts. Because of its thick, velvety texture and delicately spiced flavour, it is a favourite for Janmashtami and is often enjoyed otherwise.
Ingredients -
- Hung Curd - 1 cup
- Sugar - 2 to 3 tbsp
- Chopped dry fruits - 1 tbsp
- Green Cardamom Powder- 1 tbsp
- Few kesar strands
Preparation Method -
- In a bowl, combine 1 cup of hung curd and 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar.
- Mix well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy in texture.
- Stir in 1 tsp of chopped dry fruits (such as almonds and pistachios), 1 tsp of green cardamom powder, and a few strands of saffron.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the Shrikhand for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with a few extra chopped nuts if desired.
Also Read: Healthy Eating Is Not Boring Anymore! Learn About The 10 Healthy Dinner Recipes To Lose Weight
What Is The Special Food Of Janmashtami?
So, those were some special Janmashtami recipes, but that’s not it! There are many Janmashtami special foods which you can try:
1. Gopalkala
This is a unique recipe from Maharashtra, a popular offering to Lord Krishna on Janmashtami and Gopal Kala. This is like fried rice, very nutritious, and can be made in fifteen minutes. It is a hearty dish made with pounded rice, cucumber, green chillies, coconut, and a few basic spices. This gives it a great flavour and adds another artificial creaminess. What’s more? This could be a great healthy breakfast idea for busy mornings, too!
2. Makhane Ki Kheer
Makhana is always heralded as one of the best healthy snacks for weight loss. It is easy to digest, and when roasted, it is a delicacy and is also used as a dessert. Makhane ki kheer is rich and creamy in flavour and super easy to make using simple ingredients such as milk, butter, sugar, cardamom powder, saffron, and cashews.
3. Rava Ladoo
Ladoo sticks are very popular in India. Rava laddoo is a delicious speciality. This great and decadent Indian recipe for festivals like Diwali, Janmashtami, and Ganesh Chaturthi is straightforward and easy to make in no time. It has a coarse texture and crisp taste. It is made with semolina, sugar, ghee, nuts and spiced with ground cardamom.
4. Sabudana Khichdi
Sabudana khichdi is typically eaten during fasting days and can give your taste buds a new flavour throughout the fast. It has quick refreshing properties and can be eaten at other times as well. It is made with tapioca pearls, whole spices, corn, pepper, and curry leaves.
5. Lauki Ki Kheer
Kheer has always been a desi class that every Indian idolises. Lauki ki kheer is a simple dish made with gourd and milk. It is also an oath or various Indian fasting days. This creamy dish, made all over Janmashtami, is rich in richness and flavour. It is an easy dessert that calls for fresh coconut, some cream, dried fruits, milk, saffron, sugar and butter.
7. Dhaniya Panjiri
Dhaniya panjiri is a healthy dessert made as a special offering on Krishna Janmashtami. It is packed with butter and wholesome fruit. The ingredients for this recipe are wheat flour, grated coconut, coriander powder, powdered sugar, ghee, cashew nuts, and almonds. It is delicious, gluten-free, and vegan.
Also Read: Look No Further! Healthy Smoothies For Weight Loss Recipes Are Here At Your Convenience
What Is The Main Prasad Of Janmashtami?
The main prasad of Janmashtami that is offered to Lord Krishna is as follows:
1. Panchamrita
Panchamrita is one of the special foods of Janmashtami, which has a deep religious significance as it is considered a favourite of Lord Krishna and is offered to him as an offering during the festival. This dish is a divine concoction of five combinations, each symbolising different aspects of devotion and spirituality. The five ingredients are yoghurt (representing well-being), milk (representing purity), ghee (representing nourishment), honey (representing sweetness), and sugar (representing happiness).
2. Kheer
Kheer is another special Janmashtami dish believed to hold a special place in the heart of our Lord and is considered his most auspicious food. This dish is mainly made of milk, rice, and sugar. This aromatic and creamy rice pudding or kheer is often a special treat in Janmashtami celebrations, reflecting the devotees’ devotion and love for their god.
3. Makhan Mishri
Makhan Mishri is another offering to Lord Krishna that holds a special place not only in the celebration of Janmashtami but also in the heart of Lord Krishna. Makhan (butter) and misri (crystalline sugar) are made from two flavours. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna, a mischievous makhan chor(thief) as a child, loves to eat this delicacy with his friends. So, on this auspicious occasion, devotees worldwide offer Makhan Mishri as a symbolic gesture of devotion and love for Lord Krishna.
4. Shrikhand
Shrikhand is another special dish prepared on the special day of Janmashtami, as Lord Krishna loves dairy products. It is a creamy dessert made with hung curd, flavoured with cardamom or saffron, and garnished with chopped dried fruits. This creamy and aromatic dish carries a deep symbolism as it represents the divine essence of the Lord’s birth and his love for milk, curd, and makhan as sacred offerings prepared with great love and devotion. It is offered to the deity as a symbol of devotion, gratitude, and love.
5. Panjiri
Panjiri is one of the main foods on Janmashtami. It is offered as a holy offering during the celebrations. It consists of whole wheat flour, sugar, ghee, green cardamom, and dried fruit. Panjiri symbolises divine love and nourishment through great love and devotion.
Also Read: Delectable Independence Day Recipes: 5 Delicious Tricolour Dishes To Celebrate The Day Of Freedom!
Dietitian's Recommendation
Janmashtami is a super happy and memorable day for Hindus around the world. It is the birthday of Lord Krishna, a popularly beloved god in India. A lot of delicious Janmashtami special recipes are prepared and served to Lord Krishna on this auspicious day. We suggest these special Janmashtami foods that can be offered to Lord Krishna and enjoyed throughout this festival with your loved ones.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Janmashtami is a time of joy and devotion, a time to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna with enthusiasm. The Janmashtami special recipes prepared on this auspicious occasion are a culinary delight and have special cultural and religious significance. Each dish reflects the loving and playful nature of Lord Krishna and carries a symbol of devotion, love, and gratitude towards the divine. So, try out these recipes and enjoy the celebration of this beautiful festival!
FAQs
1. How do you make Janmashtami special at home?
You can celebrate Lord Krishna's arrival by making festive dishes like kheer, panjiri, shrikhand, etc., which signifies various aspects of this joyous occasion.
2. Mention an easy murukku recipe for Krishna Jayanthi.
To make murukku:
- Add 2-3 tbsp fried grams to a mixer grinder and make a fine powder of the same.
- Sieve this powder if not fine.
- Take a large bowl and add softened 1 tbsp butter, ½ cup rice flour, 2 tbsp besan, hing, salt, and cumin seeds, adjusting according to taste, and mix everything.
- Knead this mixture into a dough by pouring water as needed.
- The dough should be smooth and non-sticky without any cracks.
- Fix the star attachment to the mould and greese it with oil. Fill the mould with adequate dough in turns.
- Press the dough inwards using the mould and collect the star-formation dough on a butter paper.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry it till it's golden on a medium flame.
3. Is there a Krishna Janmashtami prasad list?
Yes, you can make kheer, makhan misri, panchamrita, shrikhand and panjiri as Krishna Janmashtami prasad.
4. Mention some Janmashtami special sweets.
You can enjoy Athirasam, kheer, Vella Seedai, Wheat Halwa, etc., on Janmashtami.
References
- https://fitnesswithnidhi.com/janmashtami-bhog-prasad-dhaniya-panjiri-recipes/
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/recipe/krishna-janmashtami-special-5-prasad-recipes-to-prepare-for-lord-krishna-s-blog-101660889837607.html
- https://www.spiceupthecurry.com/krishna-janmashtami-recipes/#:~:text=Janmashtami%20Prasad%20Recipes&text=So%20the%20sweets%20made%20from,The%20buttermilk%20is%20drained.
- https://www.crazymasalafood.com/top-20-janmashtami-special-food/
- https://swadeshivip.com/blog/special-janmashtami-recipes/
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