Panjiri is a nutritious North Indian sweet made with wheat flour, ghee, and a mix of roasted nuts, edible gum, fox nuts, and desiccated coconut. The flour is roasted in ghee until golden, giving it a nutty aroma. Crushed gond, roasted makhana, and nuts are blended with powdered sugar and cardamom for a flavorful treat. It’s rich in energy, perfect for winters or postnatal care. Adjust sweetness and add seeds like flax for extra health benefits. Panjiri can be stored for up to two weeks, making it a convenient and wholesome snack.
Ingredients
- Whole wheat flour: 2 cups
- Ghee (clarified butter): 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (adjust to taste)
- Dry fruits and nuts: 1 cup (almonds, cashews, pistachios, raisins)
- Edible gum (gond): 2 tablespoons
- Desiccated coconut: 1/4 cup
- Fox nuts (makhana): 1/2 cup
- Melon seeds: 2 tablespoons (optional)
- Cardamom powder: 1 teaspoon
Step-By-Step Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Edible Gum (Gond)
- Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
- Add the edible gum (gond) in small batches and fry on low heat until it puffs up.
- Remove from the pan and let it cool. Once cooled, crush it into small pieces using a mortar and pestle.
Step 2: Roast the Fox Nuts (Makhana)
- In the same pan, add a little more ghee if needed and roast the fox nuts until they become crisp.
- Let them cool and crush them coarsely or keep them whole as preferred.
Step 3: Roast the Nuts and Coconut
- Roast almonds, cashews, and pistachios in 1-2 teaspoons of ghee until slightly golden.
- Add raisins and roast them until they swell up.
- Roast the desiccated coconut until it turns light golden and aromatic. Set everything aside.
Step 4: Roast the Wheat Flour
- In the same pan, add the remaining ghee and the whole wheat flour.
- Roast on low to medium heat, stirring continuously, until the flour turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This step may take 15-20 minutes, so be patient.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
- Once the flour is roasted, reduce the heat and add the crushed gond, roasted makhana, nuts, and coconut.
- Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 6: Add the Sweetener and Cardamom
- Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool slightly (not completely).
- Add powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the mixture. Stir thoroughly to distribute the sweetness evenly.
Step 7: Cool and Store
- Let the panjiri cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
- It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks at room temperature.
Tips for Perfect Panjiri
- Always roast ingredients on low heat to avoid burning.
- Adjust the sweetness according to your preference.
- For added nutrition, include flax seeds or chia seeds.
- Use good quality ghee for the best flavor.
Panjiri is ready to enjoy. It’s a warm, delicious treat that provides instant energy and is perfect for the winter season. Serve as a snack, dessert, or part of a nutritious breakfast.
