Makar Sankranti is one of India’s most widely celebrated harvest festivals, and its food traditions are just as vibrant. From nutrient-rich sesame to jaggery-rich delicacies, every dish reflects warmth and prosperity. Interestingly, India consumes nearly 7-8 million tonnes of jaggery annually, proving just how central these ingredients are to winter festivals. So, if you’re gearing up to prepare authentic makar sankranti food at home, here are five timeless recipes made easier with modern kitchen appliances from Wipro Appliances.
Til Gul Ladoo (Sesame-Jaggery Ladoo)
A classic makar sankranti special food, til gul ladoos are loved for their nutty sweetness and warming properties. These festive treats also symbolise togetherness, as sharing them is believed to spread warmth and goodwill during winter.
How to Make It
Dry-roast sesame seeds on an induction cooktop to ensure they heat evenly without burning. Melt jaggery with a splash of water until it reaches a sticky consistency, then combine the two while the mixture is still hot. Roll quickly into small ladoos and let them cool completely until firm. For extra flavour, you can add a pinch of cardamom or a few crushed peanuts before shaping the ladoos.
Peanut Chikki (Crunchy Gajak-Style Brittle)
One of the most iconic makar sankranti food items, peanut chikki is simple yet delightful. Its crisp texture and rich jaggery flavour make it a winter favourite across India, offering the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch.
How to Make It
Roast peanuts in an air fryer for even browning with minimal effort, then peel them once cooled. Melt jaggery on the induction cooktop until it froths lightly, indicating the right binding stage. Combine the jaggery syrup with peanuts, spread on a greased plate, flatten evenly, and cut into squares. For a glossy finish, press lightly with a greased rolling pin. The controlled heating of an induction cooktop helps achieve the perfect golden brittle without over-caramelising the jaggery.
Sweet Pongal (Sankranti South Indian Classic)
A comforting bowl of Sweet Pongal is a must-have food for Makar Sankranti in South Indian homes. Its rich, melt-in-the-mouth texture and aromatic ghee make it a festive dish enjoyed by all ages.
How to Make It
Pressure-cook rice and moong dal until soft and mushy. Melt jaggery separately, filter impurities, and combine it with the cooked mixture. Warm ghee in a hand blender-safe saucepan and blend lightly to infuse cardamom and roasted nuts, enhancing both aroma and texture. Mix everything gently for a velvety finish, letting the flavours meld slowly. If you prefer a creamier version, add a splash of warm milk and blend again for a richer consistency. Appliances help maintain heat consistency and cut down cooking time while keeping flavours authentic.
Puran Poli (Stuffed Sweet Flatbread)
A soft, sweet flatbread filled with chana dal and jaggery, Puran Poli is a cherished makar sankranti special food that requires patience, but the appliances make the job easier. Its rich, aromatic filling wrapped inside a delicate dough makes it one of the most beloved festive indulgences.
How to Make It
Cook chana dal on an induction cooktop, drain, and blend into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder for a fine, even consistency. Add jaggery, ghee, and cardamom, and cook the mixture on low heat until it thickens into a soft, pliable filling. Stuff into dough balls, roll gently, and cook on a tawa until golden spots appear on both sides. You can brush a little ghee on top for added flavour and softness. Allow the puran to cool slightly before rolling to prevent tearing. The mixer and grinder ensures a lump-free, silky puran that spreads beautifully inside the dough.
Dahi-Poha (Cooling Sankranti Tradition from Maharashtra)
A nutritious and light sankranti special food, Dahi Poha balances the richness of jaggery sweets. Its simplicity and cooling properties make it a perfect contrast to the heavier festive dishes served throughout the day.
How to Make It
Wash and soften poha until it becomes fluffy but not mushy. Mix with curd, jaggery, banana slices, and roasted sesame for a naturally sweet, creamy bowl. You can use a hand blender to whip the curd for extra smoothness before adding it to the poha. Chill the mixture for a few minutes if you prefer it cooler, or add a drizzle of warm milk for a softer texture. Garnish with a few crushed peanuts or raisins to elevate both flavour and nutrition. It’s a no-cook, refreshing dish that balances the festival’s indulgence while still rooted in tradition.
Smart Appliance Tips to Elevate Your Sankranti Cooking
Modern kitchen appliances can make traditional festive cooking smoother, faster, and far more enjoyable. With the right tools from the Wipro Appliances website, you can recreate authentic Makar Sankranti flavours with professional precision and minimal effort.
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Induction Cooktops- Almost every makar sankranti food item, from jaggery syrups to roasted sesame needs controlled heat. Induction cooktops available on the Wipro Appliances website ensure steady temperature, faster cooking, and no burnt jaggery mishaps.
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Air Fryers- Instead of deep-roasting peanuts, cashews, or sesame seeds, use an air fryer for even browning with almost zero oil. This not only speeds up prep work but also gives crisp, consistent results.
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Mixer Grinders- Whether it’s grinding puran, breaking jaggery lumps, or blending moong dal for Pongal variations, a mixer grinder helps maintain texture, saving time and effort.
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Hand Blenders- A hand blender can lighten Pongal, whip curd for Dahi Poha, or blend ghee–nut mixtures effortlessly. It’s a compact and versatile tool that cuts down manual stirring.
Celebrate Warmth & Tradition Through Food
Makar Sankranti isn’t just about rituals, it’s about food that nourishes, warms, and brings families together. These traditional recipes blend festive nostalgia with modern convenience, especially when paired with smart kitchen appliances from Wipro Appliances. Whether you’re preparing lentil-rich puran or jaggery-tempered sesame treats, each dish captures the essence of the harvest season with ease and authenticity.
FAQs
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What is the special food of Makar Sankranti?
Popular makar sankranti food includes til gul ladoo, peanut chikki, pongal, puran poli, and dahi-poha. Most dishes use jaggery and sesame, which provide warmth and energy during winter.
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How do I grind the ingredients for gajak?
Use a mixer grinder from the Wipro Appliances website to break jaggery blocks, grind sesame, or blend peanuts smoothly. It ensures even texture without manual pounding.
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Can I roast sesame and peanuts in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryers offer quick, uniform roasting and require almost no oil. They also prevent burning—a common issue when roasting on open flame.
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Is an induction cooktop good for melting jaggery?
Absolutely. Its precise temperature control prevents jaggery from over-caramelising and helps achieve the perfect syrup stage needed for ladoos and chikki.
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Can a hand blender be used while making Sweet Pongal?
Yes, a hand blender helps mix ghee, soften cooked dal-rice, and create a smoother, creamier Pongal without extra effort.
