Discover The Authentic Punjabi Panjiri Recipe For A Nutritious Snack

Traditional Punjabi Panjiri is a nutrient-rich, roasted whole wheat flour mixture combined with ghee, nuts, seeds, and jaggery, offering a sweet and savory snack. It is commonly enjoyed as a healthful treat or given to new mothers for its energizing benefits.

Traditional Punjabi Panjiri or Penjeeri is made by roasting whole wheat flour in ghee until golden brown. Nuts, melon seeds, dried coconut, and poppy seeds are added, followed by roasted edible gum. Grated jaggery and spices like cardamom and black pepper are mixed in. The mixture is then cooled and stored. Panjiri is enjoyed as a nutritious snack or given to new mothers for its energy-boosting properties.

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter)
•  1/2 cup finely chopped nuts (almonds, cashews, and walnuts)
•  1/4 cup melon seeds
• 1/4 cup dried coconut, grated
• 1/4 cup edible gum (gond), lightly roasted
• 1/2 cup jaggery, grated or chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder (optional)
• 1/4 cup poppy seeds (khus-khus), lightly roasted
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, lightly roasted
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Edible Gum (Gond)

1. Roasting Edible Gum:

• Heat a pan on low flame and add the edible gum. Roast it gently until it puffs up and becomes crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Roast the Flour

1. Heat Ghee:

• In a large pan or kadai, heat the ghee on a medium flame.

2. Roast Flour:

• Add the whole wheat flour to the ghee and roast it, stirring continuously, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the flour is roasted evenly.

Step 3: Add Nuts and Seeds

1. Add Nuts and Seeds:

• Add the chopped nuts, melon seeds, dried coconut, and poppy seeds to the pan. Continue roasting for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Incorporate Edible Gum

1. Combine Edible Gum:

• Add the roasted edible gum to the mixture and mix thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Jaggery and Spices

1. Mix Jaggery:

• Reduce the heat to low and add the grated or chopped jaggery. Stir until it melts and blends with the mixture. Be careful not to overheat as it can cause the mixture to become sticky.

2. Add Spices:

• Add cardamom powder, black pepper powder (if using), and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

Step 6: Cool and Store

1. Cool Down:

• Remove the pan from heat and let the panjiri cool to room temperature.

2. Store:

• Once cooled, transfer the panjiri to an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for several weeks.

Serving Suggestions:

• Panjiri is often enjoyed as a nutritious snack or as a part of a meal. It is also given to new mothers for its energy-boosting and lactation-promoting properties.