The Lohri festival is celebrated in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu in mid-January every year to mark the culmination of winter. People gather with friends and families, dance to the beats of the dhol and rustle up a feast. Here are some special Lohri recipes. – Parvathy Menon

Makki ki roti
(4 servings)

This classic Punjabi corn meal flat bread can be made plain or flavored with ajwain, green chillies and ginger.

Ingredients

• 2 cups makki ka atta (cornmeal flour)
• ½ tsp ajwain
• Salt to taste
• Pinch of jaggery
• Lukewarm water
• 2 green chillies
• 1 inch ginger
• Small bunch of coriander leaves
• Unsalted butter or ghee for serving

Preparation guide

• Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Add warm water to make a soft dough. It is important to knead the ingredients well for 3-4 minutes to get a smooth dough.
• Divide the dough into large lemon size portions, cover and keep aside.
• Preheat an iron skillet; place a wet muslin cloth on the working surface; wet the palms of your hands and place a dough portion on the wet cloth and pat the makki roti dough with your fingers to make a flat circle.
• Invert the muslin cloth over the preheated skillet and place the rolled out makki roti on the skillet. Cook the roti on medium heat, flipping over to cook on both sides. Cook until you see brown spots on the makki roti.
• Once you notice brown spots, flip the roti over direct flame until it is completely cooked.
• Now smear some butter on the makki roti and serve hot.

Health benefits: A gluten-free source of fibre and protein, cornmeal is rich in carotenoids and low in fat.

Also read: Recipe for Sarson ka saag (mustard leaves)