Gudi Padwa Special - Home made Shrikhand

Introduction:

Gudi Padwa, The First Day of the Hindu Month of Chaitra to mark the begining of the New Year.

The preparations begin with spring, cleaning the house and the courtyard. Rangoli designs are drawn at the entrance of the house and a Gudi is put up at the front door or window as a symbol of victory.

The assembling of Gudi, a bright green or yellow cloth with zari at the border is tied to the tip of a long bamboo stick. Over this we place gaathi (sugar crystals), neem leaves and a garland of red flowers, a twig of mango leaves is tied. A silver or copper pot is placed in inverted position over it . Altogether it is called Gudi.

On Gudi Padwa day after placing Gudi, we eat a paste made of bitter sweet neem leaves mixed with coriander seeds, jaggery and imli, ground to a fine paste. This paste is believed to purify blood and strengthen bodies immune system.
 

Food:  

Shrikhand, Poori or Puranpoli  is served in all Maharashtrian homes. My family has preferred the Shrikhand Poori menu. Changing the flavour every year. The most appreciated is Shrikhand Kesar Elaichi.

Simple recipe for the princely sweet:
Ingredients:

500 gms hung curds, powdered sugar(equal measure to that of the curd mash), or more if you desire, 1 tbs green elaichi powdered at home with a teaspoon of sugar and 1 tsp saffron strands.

Method:

Hang the curd in a muslin cloth for 6 to 8 hrs. In a Puran machine put the hung curd and extract a smooth mash.
            

To this mash add equal quantity of powdered sugar and 1 tsp elaichi powder. I grind sugar and elaichi seeds together for better fragrance. Add the saffron, soaked in 1 tbs warm milk. Mix vigorously with spoon and garnish with toasted chironji.

Serve chilled.

Note:

I assure you that this simple homemade recipe is a foodies delight and no comparison to the packaged variety you lift off the shelf.






The Padva special meal is ready.

 

H A P P Y   G U D I    P A D V A  to all.