Panjiri Recipe – Healthy Punjabi Dry Fruit Snack
Panjiri is a delightful and nutritious Punjabi snack, traditionally made with whole wheat flour, ghee, and a medley of dry fruits and nuts, making it not only a tasty treat but also a healthy one. It’s often enjoyed during the winter months, paired with warm turmeric or almond milk for a wholesome experience. This recipe yields approximately six servings, perfect for sharing with family and friends or for indulging in throughout the week.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 1/2 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| Chiroti Rava (fine semolina) | 1/4 cup |
| Powdered Sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Gond (edible gum) | 2 tablespoons |
| Phool Makhana (lotus seeds) | 1/3 cup |
| Badam (almonds) | 1/4 cup |
| Cashew Nuts | 1/4 cup |
| Pistachios | 1/4 cup |
| Dry Coconut (kopra) – sliced | 2 tablespoons |
| Melon Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Flax Seeds | 2 tablespoons |
| Poppy Seeds | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Ginger Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 250 |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Instructions
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Prepare Ingredients: Start by measuring out all the ingredients. Having them arranged neatly on your counter will streamline the cooking process.
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Puff the Gond: Heat a kadai (wok) over medium-low flame, adding a tablespoon of ghee. Once the ghee is heated, carefully add the gond crystals. Stir them occasionally until they puff up nicely, which should take just a few minutes. Once puffed, remove them from the kadai and place them on a plate to cool.
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Roast the Makhana: In the same kadai, add another tablespoon of ghee and let it heat up. Add the phool makhana and roast them for about 2-3 minutes, until they become crisp and golden. Remove and set aside.
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Roast the Nuts and Seeds: Next, use individual tablespoons of ghee to roast the almonds, cashews, pistachios, dry coconut slices, melon seeds, flax seeds, and poppy seeds, one type at a time. Ensure each nut and seed is roasted until golden and fragrant before setting them aside to cool.
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Create the Coarse Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the puffed gond, roasted makhana, almonds, cashews, pistachios, dry coconut, melon seeds, flax seeds, and poppy seeds. Transfer this mixture to a mixer jar and pulse it gently to achieve a coarse consistency. Set aside.
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Roast the Flours: Reheat the kadai and add the remaining ghee. Once hot, add the whole wheat flour and chiroti rava. Roast the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it turns a light golden brown color, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
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Spice it Up: Once the flour is roasted, add the dry ginger powder, nutmeg, and cardamom powder. Mix thoroughly and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
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Combine Ingredients: After cooling, incorporate the powdered sugar into the flour mixture, adjusting the sweetness according to your taste preferences. Finally, mix in the previously ground coarse dry fruit mixture until everything is well combined.
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Storage: Store the finished panjiri in an airtight container. It can be kept fresh for 2-3 weeks.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve your panjiri as a healthy snack, particularly during the winter months. It pairs beautifully with Turmeric Milk (Haldi Doodh) or Almond Milk (Badam Milk) for a nutritious and comforting treat.
Conclusion
Panjiri not only serves as a delicious snack but is also packed with the goodness of dry fruits, nuts, and the nutritional benefits of flax seeds and whole grains. This healthy Punjabi delicacy is perfect for both adults and children, making it an ideal addition to your family’s snack time repertoire. Enjoy it during festive seasons or on chilly winter evenings for an extra boost of warmth and energy!
