We wish all our readers a Very Happy Ganesha chaturthi. May God Ganesha bless you all with good health and ample wealth.
Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chaturthi is one of the most important festivals in Karnataka. Traditionally, it is celebrated by almost each and every household. Ganesha – god of removing the obstacles, before the beginning of any good deeds we pray Lord Ganesha and then start the work. We offer Ganesha, his favorite dishes like Modakam, chakli, Black chana usli/Sundal, kadubu and this Panchakajjaya. Panchakajjaya can be prepared with chana dal, moong dal also with puffed rice/Aralu on Ganesha festival, or if you are doing Gana homa, ganesha pooja at home.. Pancha means five and kajjaya means sweet.
Pancha kajjaya is a sweet with 5 ingredients.
- kadle bele / chana Dal:
chana Dal, also known as split chickpeas, is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is a type of lentil that is split in half and often used to make delicious dishes like dal or snacks like chana dal namkeen. - Jaggery Powdered:
Jaggery powdered refers to finely ground jaggery, a traditional sweetener made from sugarcane juice or palm sap. It adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to various Indian sweets, desserts, and beverages. - Grated Dry Coconut:
Grated dry coconut, also known as desiccated coconut, is coconut meat that has been grated and dried. It is a versatile ingredient used in both sweet and savory dishes, including curries, desserts, and chutneys, to add a delightful tropical flavor and texture. - Black Sesame Seeds:
Black sesame seeds are small, oil-rich seeds with a nutty flavor. They are commonly used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines, both for their distinct taste and their potential health benefits. They can be used as a topping for various dishes or ground into a paste for sauces and sweets. - Ghee and Pancha Kajjaya:
Ghee is a clarified butter widely used in Indian cooking. It imparts a rich, buttery flavor to dishes and is often used for frying, sautéing, and making traditional sweets like pancha kajjaya.health benefits of the 5 ingredients:
- Jaggery:
Jaggery is a natural sweetener rich in iron, providing a boost to individuals with anemia. It also contains antioxidants and minerals like potassium and magnesium, which can aid in maintaining overall health. Unlike refined sugar, jaggery has a lower glycemic index, making it a healthier option for those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. - Chana Dal:
Chana dal is a protein and fiber powerhouse. It is an excellent source of plant-based protein and contains essential vitamins and minerals such as folate, iron, and manganese. Consuming chana dal can help in muscle repair, energy production, and maintaining healthy blood levels. - Dry Coconut:
Grated dry coconut is rich in healthy fats, primarily saturated fats, which provide a source of quick energy for the body. It is also a good source of dietary fiber, aiding in digestion. Additionally, dry coconut contains essential minerals like copper and selenium, which play roles in various bodily functions. - Black Sesame Seeds:
Black sesame seeds are a great source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can support heart health. They are also rich in antioxidants, including lignans, which may have anti-inflammatory properties. These seeds provide essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc, contributing to bone health and immune function. - Ghee:
Ghee is clarified butter that is a good source of healthy fats, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which can be easily digested and provide a quick source of energy. It is also rich in fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K, aiding in the absorption of nutrients. Ghee contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties when consumed in moderation.
Here we are making chana dal/kadle bele Panchakajjaya. Easy to make and very tasty.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup chana dal
- 1/4 cup Jaggery powdered
- 1/4 cup grated dry coconut
- 1 TBSP black sesame seeds
- 1.5 TBSP ghee
You can also add the following :
- 2 tsp ghee
- 3 to 4 almonds broken into pieces
- 10 raisins
- 5 cashews broken into pieces
- pinch of cardamom powdered
Method:
- And if you like to add raisin and nuts, keep that ready too.
- Dry roast chana dal in kadai in low flame until it turns golden brown color. Transfer the roasted dal onto a plate.
- In the same kadai/pan dry roast sesame seeds until it pops/sputters. Transfer it to a plate.
- Keep the kadai back on stove, roast the grated dry coconut/kopra for 30 seconds and turn off the heat. Let the grated coconut be in the kadai so that it will become crisp.
- Grind the roasted chanadal to a fine powder while it is still warm. ( no need to sieve the powder)
- Now if you are adding raisin and nuts, heat the 2 tsp ghee in a ladle, fry almond pieces, when almonds turns golden brown add cashew pieces, when it starts to turn golden color add raisins. Fry it until all the raisins puffs up. Turn off the heat and keep it aside.
- Transfer the roasted coconut onto a plate and keep the kadai back on stove on medium low heat. Add the ghee. Once it is hot enough add jaggery powder. Mix it really well and allow it to boil stirring continuously.
- Jaggery and ghee should fuse together and becomes one.
- Slowly add the chana dal powder,
- coconut and fried nuts and raisins mixing continuously.
- Turn off the heat. But keep mixing it for few more minutes.
- The dal powder absorbs all the ghee and jaggery mix and it will becomes kind of dry. Finally add cardamom powder
- Pancha kajjaya is ready to offer to Lord Ganesha
NOTES:
- It is important that you have to pay attention while roasting the chana dal. Make sure not to burnt the dal.