Makara Chaula (Makar Sankranti Special)

Makar Sankranti is one of the prominent Hindu festivals, celebrated across the world. It marks the transition of Sun into the Capricorn (Makar Rashi) which is a zodiac sign and the change is known as The Sun God enters into the northern hemisphere. It is also a harvest festival and kite flying is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. It denotes the arrival of longer days. This festival falls in Hindu calendar solar month of Makar and lunar month of Magha.

In different states, this festival is celebrated with a different name and with varieties of regional Sankranti special food. Being an odia, I am sharing here the Odisha special dish "Makara Chaula", which is a traditional sweet dish. It's a delicious, healthy and no cook delicacy. 

Ingredients :

• 1/2 cup Rice, washed and Soaked overnight 
• 1/4 Coconut, cut into small pieces 
• 1 Banana, cut into slices 
• 1 Pomegranate seeds 
• 12-14 Grapes 
• Some Sugarcane Pieces 
• 1 Orange 
• 1 Apple - 1/2 chopped into pieces and 1/2 grated 
• 3 tbsp grated cucumber 
• 1 cup Milk 
• 1 tsp Grated Ginger 
• 1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder 
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper Powder 
• Sugar/ Jaggery as per taste 
• 1 tsp Honey  
• 1/2 tsp Ghee
•  Some Grated Paneer

Recipe Details :

✓ Take out the soaked rice from water and add to a blender. Add the coconut pieces to the blender. Grind it coarsely. Transfer this mixture to a big bowl.

✓ Add half of the banana slices to the bowl and using hand smash it nicely. Mix everything to make a semi-thick paste.

✓ Add grated apple, grated cucumber, Ginger, cardamom Powder, pepper powder, sugar/jaggery. Mix everything well.

✓ Add Ghee, milk and grated paneer to the mixture and give everything a good mix.

✓  Now at the final step add the cut fruits like grapes, chopped apple, chopped banana, sugarcane pieces, pomegranate seeds and mix gently.

✓ At this stage, you can adjust the milk consistency accordingly. I personally like it a little thinner and more milkier.

✓ Makar Chaula is ready to serve. Take on a plate and garnish with honey.

✓ For best taste, you can keep the bowl for sometime in fridge and have it chilled.