PUNJAB DI SPECIAL PANJIRI- on India's 60th Republic Day

First of all I would like to wish you all a Happy Republic Day, hope the year ahead brings peace and prosperity to all.

Today would also be a good day to celebrate with something close to the heart, traditional and (for both hubby and me) the ultimate in comfort food- panjiri.It is in every little village (pind) of Punjab, in every little household, no matter rich or poor that panjiri is made and is fed, especially to kids, thus it also becomes associated with love showered thru food.Panjiri is meant to be eaten in winters as it has a warming effect on the body and wards away cough and cold as well as provides nourishment.

However do limit your intake as it is very addictive and can easily add inches to your waist :)

Ingredients-

• Whole wheat flour(atta)- 2 cups
• Semolina(suji)-1/2 cup
• Chickpea flour(besan)-1/2 cup
• Sugar(powdered)-1 cup
• Clarified butter(desi ghee)- 2 cups
• Mixed dry fruit- 1 cup

Method-

Dry roast the chickpea flour(besan) on a slow flame, stirring continously till light brown, remove and keep aside.Heat ghee in a heavy bottom pan, add the wholewheat flour and suji and roast again stirring continously till golden, this is a very important step, as the flour can burn easily so keep an eagle eye and do keep stirring!This can easily take upto 15-20 mins.Tip in the roasted chickpea flour(besan),sugar and the dry fruit and take off fire, mix well, let cool and enjoy!Keeps well for several weeks.

Let it set on a plate, cut into squares, enjoy as burfi....

Panjiri is warming the hearts of the hosts of- JFI-chickpea and Just for you(it is my husband's favourite and today I made it specially for him).

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