Ganesh Chaturthi this year is on September 2, the coming Monday. The festival which marks the birth of Lord Ganesha is celebrated in the Hindu month of Bhadra, that usually falls between August and September every year. Lord Ganesha is a symbol of wisdom and prosperity and is considered to be a harbinger of good fortune and remover of obstacles.

People decorate intricately carved idols of Lord Ganesha with a colourful umbrella and perform elaborate religious ceremonies to seek His blessings. A delicious spread along with fruits and recipes is an integral part of the festivities and is enjoyed with family and friends, after completing the holy rituals.

We bring you two nutrient-rich Ganesh Chaturthi special recipes, one sweet and one savoury, which are high on protein and low on cholesterol, for you to relish with your near and dear ones.

Puran poli for ganesh chaturthi

Wheat Flour Puran Poli:

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup wheat flour
  • 2 cups channa dal
  • 1 cup jaggery
  • ½ cup ghee
  • ½ cup water
  • 3 tsp cardamom powder
  • ½ tsp nutmeg powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • Oil, as required

Method:

In a large bowl, mix the flour and water, knead it into a dough adding salt and oil. Place it covered at room temperature for one hour.

Pressure cook the channa dal until it becomes soft and allow it to cool.

Now, heat the channa dal along with jaggery and ghee on medium flame in a pan, until it becomes a sticky blend.

Grind this blend along with cardamom and nutmeg powder, to a smooth consistency in a mixer.

Roll the dough into thick rotis. Take two rotis and place channa dal blend in between and seal the edges.

In a tawa, heat some ghee and place puran poli on it, fry both sides until it turns golden brown in colour.

Make an offering to Lord Ganesha.

Nutrition:

Wheat flour supplies carbs for energizing the body and dietary fibers which aid in digestion. Channa dal is a rich source of proteins which are required for building muscle mass. Jaggery is healthier when compared to sugar as it provides iron, essential for blood production and transport. Cardamom and nutmeg are standard condiments in Indian sweets that are abundant in antioxidants and minerals, vital for immunity and bone health.

Moong dal modak for ganesh chaturthi

Moong Dal Modak:

Ingredients:

1 cup rice flour

½ cup moong dal

½ tbsp ghee

1 cup water

¼ tsp mustard

2 tbsp shredded coconut

A few curry leaves

Salt, to taste

Oil, as required

Method:

Pressure cook moong dal for two whistles, until it becomes soft and allow it to cool.

In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, until they start to pop.

Then, add the moong dal, curry leaves, shredded coconut and salt, cook for a few minutes and transfer it to a bowl.

Mix the rice flour and ghee thoroughly in water, take some oil in your palms and knead it into a dough.

Make even-sized round balls from the dough, flatten it out, place the moong dal mix inside and then wrap it up in the shape of an inverted cone.

Lace idli plates with a little bit of oil, place the modaks and steam it for five to ten minutes.

Place it first for the puja ceremonies and then enjoy these yummy modaks with your loved ones.

Nutrition:

Rice flour contains carbohydrates needed for metabolic activities. Ghee provides fats for healthy growth and development. Moong dal offers high protein content, for important enzyme functions in the body. Coconut is free of cholesterol and sodium, aiding in heart health and lowering blood pressure. It also supplies useful medium-chain triglycerides, which improve high bp symptoms, maintaining a normal blood pressure range. Curry leaves are a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, for boosting immunity and removing toxins from the body.