Panjeeri

Panjeeri is a traditional South Asian food item, often used as a nutritional supplement. It is made from whole-wheat flour fried in sugar and ghee, heavily laced with dried fruits and herbal gums. Panjeeri is especially consumed by lactating mothers to stimulate milk production, but it is also consumed by others for its high nutritional value.

Ingredients

The main ingredients of Panjeeri include wheat flour, sugar, and ghee. However, it is the variety of additional ingredients that give Panjeeri its unique taste and high nutritional value. These include dried fruits such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, and herbal gums like gond and phool makhana. Some recipes also include poppy seeds, melon seeds, and coconut.

Preparation

The preparation of Panjeeri involves frying the wheat flour in ghee until it turns golden brown. The sugar is then added and the mixture is stirred until it is well combined. The dried fruits and herbal gums are fried separately in ghee and then added to the flour mixture. The Panjeeri is then allowed to cool before it is stored in an airtight container.

Cultural Significance

Panjeeri holds a significant place in the culinary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. It is often prepared on special occasions and during postpartum period for new mothers. In Punjab, a variant of Panjeeri known as 'Pinni' is popular. In Nepal, Panjeeri is known as 'Dhauagiri' and is consumed during the Tihar festival.

Health Benefits

Panjeeri is rich in nutrients and provides a number of health benefits. It is a good source of energy and is beneficial in increasing strength and stamina. The dried fruits and herbal gums in Panjeeri are known for their medicinal properties. For instance, gond is known for its heat producing properties and is beneficial in relieving joint pains. Phool makhana is known for its antioxidant properties and is beneficial in preventing aging and inflammation.