Sankranti special: Til laddoos, chikki and khichdi recipes you can savour to celebrate the festival

Sankranti special: What makes Sankranti cuisine special is its simplicity. Most dishes are roasted, slow-cooked or minimally processed, allowing nutrients to stay intact (Images: Canva)

• Lohri and Sankranti mark winter's peak and the Sun's northward journey in India
• Sankranti foods use sesame, jaggery, peanuts, and grains for warmth and energy.
• Til laddoo, peanut chikki, and khichdi are healthy and easy to digest dishes.

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January 13 marks Lohri, believed to be the coldest phase of the North Indian winter. Bonfires blaze against the chill, symbolising warmth, survival and community. A day later comes Sankranti, when the Sun’s northward journey begins and the promise of longer days returns. Between these two festivals lies a fact Indians have always known; food is medicine, especially in winter.

No Indian festival is complete without a table full of traditional fare, and Sankranti is no exception. The ingredients that dominate this season include til (sesame), gur (jaggery), peanuts and grains. These generate internal heat, strengthen digestion slowed by cold weather, and replenish energy drained by winter lethargy.

What makes Sankranti cuisine special is its simplicity. Most dishes are roasted, slow-cooked or minimally processed, allowing nutrients to stay intact. They are easy on the stomach yet deeply nourishing, designed to transition the body gently from peak winter into a more active season ahead.

Also read | Celebrate Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bihu festivals with these traditional, healthy Indian dishes

Health benefits of Makar Sankranti foods

Here are quick recipes and health benefits of traditional Makar Sankranti foods your body loves:

Til laddoo

Dry roast white sesame seeds. Heat jaggery with a splash of water till syrupy. Mix sesame, add ghee, and shape into laddoos while warm. Rich in calcium and iron, til keeps bones strong, improves circulation and generates body heat in cold weather.

Peanut chikki

Dry roast peanuts and remove skins. Melt jaggery till hard crack stage. Mix peanuts quickly, spread thin and cut into pieces. High in protein and healthy fats, it provides long-lasting energy and supports heart health.

Murmura laddoo

Roast puffed ricelightly. Heat jaggery syrup with ghee, mix murmura, shape into laddoos. Low in calories, easy to digest and ideal for keeping the stomach light after heavy winter foods.

Also read | Celebrate Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Bihu festivals with these traditional, healthy Indian dishes

Dry fruit–gur laddoo

Roast and chop almonds, cashews and dates. Melt jaggery with ghee, mix nuts, roll into laddoos. Boosts immunity, improves blood circulation and provides warmth and sustained energy.

Khichdi

Cook rice and moong dal with turmeric, salt cumin and ghee until soft. Serve hot. You can also add some green vegetables to it (optional). Khichdi is easy to digest, detoxifies the gut and restores energy after winter indulgence.

Roasted nuts

Dry roast almonds, peanuts, walnuts and cashews with a pinch of salt and pepper. Good fats improve heart health, brain function and skin during dry winters.

Nariyal laddoo

Roast fresh or desiccated coconut lightly. Mix with condensed milk or jaggery and shape into laddoos. Provides quick energy, supports digestion and keeps the body hydrated in winter.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.