Undhiyu, Kites and Kaipo Chhe…!

 

Uttarayan for residents of Gujarat means - two holidays; bargaining for the best kite deals; tying kinyas; connecting with friends, neighbours and family on the terrace; flying kites and air balloons in sync with the foot-tapping music; and yes gorging on lip-smacking delicacies like -

 

Undhiyu–Puri: A healthy winter preparation of - green beans, new baby potatoes, sweet potatoes, yam, egg-plant and fried fenugreek dumplings – marinated in a mix of spices and sesame oil in an earthen pot. Undhiyu tastes best with sinfully-fattening puris!

 

Jalebi: Sugary delights, crusty and fried golden to perfection; these are a mandatory accompaniment to undhiyu-puri.

 

Leelva Kachori: Flaky and crisp kachori with an excitingly spicy stuffing of - fresh tuver (green pigeon peas), ginger, salt, green chillies, peas, coriander, turmeric, asafoetida and lemon.

 

Chikki: Uttarayan is synonymous to chikki – a chunky nuts and jaggery mixture – which packs in a lot of nutritious value too! While the regular versions are tal papdi and shing chikki; the mamra (puffed rice), coconut, chana and dry fruit varieties also need to be looked out for.

 

Sugarcane, Bor (jujube), Shingoda (water chestnut) and Guava: The perfect finger-foods to keep those not flying kites busy!

 

Khichdo: A nourishing and energizing mix of whole wheat, dry fruits, lentils, spices, vegetables etc. This piping-hot winter favourite is available in both sweet and spicy versions and is eaten to celebrate the new harvest that Uttarayan rings in

 

So put aside your weight-loss resolutions made a fortnight back and devour yummy food along with shouting - kaipo chhe and lapet!