It is believed that malpua, bhang, kheer, honey and dairy products were some of lord Shiva’s favourite foods. With Mahashivratri 2024 approaching, we share special recipes you can prepare at home to celebrate the festival
This year, Mahashivratri falls on March 8, 2024. Photo courtesy: Sabudana Wood Apple Kheer by The Resort (Left) Ragi Halwa by SJI Hospitality and Foods Pvt. Ltd (Right)
Key Highlights
- This year, Mahashivratri, the day that people honour Lord Shiva, falls on March 8
- To celebrate the festival, Indians observe a fast and visit the temple to seek blessings
- Malpua, bhang, kheer, honey and dairy products are known to be Lord Shiva`s favourites
Mahashivratri – a Hindu festival celebrated to honour lord Shiva. To celebrate the festival, Indians wake up early, take a dip in the holy Ganga river, observe a strict fast and worship the deity in temples to seek his blessings. This year Mahashivratri falls on March 8, 2024.
If you plan on celebrating the festival – either through fasting or by simply enjoying meals prepared from lord Shiva’s favourite food, we bring you Mahashivratri special recipes.
Makhana Kheer
Ingredients:
Foxnuts (makhana) - 1 cup
Whole milk - 4 cups
Sugar - 3/4 cup
Saffron - a few strands
Cardamom powder - 1/2 tsp
Chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) - 3 tbsp
Ghee - 1 tbsp
Method:
1. Heat a tablespoon of ghee in a pan and roast the foxnuts (makhana) until they are crispy. Take out the crispy makhana from the pan and let it cool. Once cooled, crush them into smaller pieces.
2. In the same pan, pour the milk and bring it to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Lower the heat and let the milk simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Add the crushed foxnuts (makhana) to the milk and continue to simmer for another five-10 minutes until they become soft and the kheer thickens further.
5. Add sugar, cardamom powder, and saffron strands to the kheer. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely.
6. Turn off the heat and leave it to cool for a few minutes.
7. Garnish with chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) and serve chilled or warm.
Recipe by Chef Ishijyot Surri, executive chef, SJI Hospitality and Foods Pvt. Ltd