Makar Sankranti special: Winter snacks to try at home

It’s that time of the year when the festive zeal can be felt everywhere. With Makar Sankranti around the corner, it’s time to prepare for the harvest celebrations, which are a perfect mix of traditions, rituals, good food, folk music, dance and whatnot! In fact, one of the major highlights of Makar Sankranti is traditional delicacies, and if you too are planning to prep for the festivals and want to save time by making some traditional delights way before the festival, then here are some simple snacks that you can make way before the festival and store for more than two to three weeks. So, read and add these snacks to your festive menu!

Murukku
Murukku is a popular South Indian snack made from rice flour, urad dal flour, and a variety of spices. It’s shaped into intricate designs using a piping tool and deep-fried until crispy. The result is a crunchy, savory snack with a hint of spice from cumin and black sesame seeds. Murrukku is not only delicious but also a fun snack to prepare during Sankranti.

Namapara
Namakpara is a crispy, fried Indian snack that’s perfect for munching during festivals. Made with simple ingredients like flour, ghee, and spices, these crunchy treats are flavored with carom seeds (ajwain) and cumin, making them savory and aromatic. Once fried to golden perfection, namakparas can be stored and enjoyed throughout the Sankranti celebrations.

Kachori
Kachori is a deep-fried snack stuffed with a spicy filling of moong dal, peas, or spices. These snacks are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. Kachoris are a perfect addition to any Sankranti feast and can be served with tamarind chutney or mint chutney for an extra taste.

Mathri
Mathri is a crunchy, flaky, and savory Indian snack that’s popular during festivals like Sankranti. Made from a simple dough of flour, carom seeds, and spices, Mathri is rolled into small rounds and deep-fried until crispy. It’s a great snack for pairing with chai, and its texture and flavor make it irresistible.


Chidwa
Chidwa Namkeen, also known as Chiwda, is a popular mixture made from puffed rice, roasted peanuts, cashews, and a variety of spices. It’s lightly seasoned with ingredients like turmeric, curry leaves, and mustard seeds, giving it a delightful crunch and mild spiciness. This snack is perfect for snacking during Sankranti or serving as a quick bite for guests.

Fried Peanuts
Fried peanuts, seasoned with spices and salt, are a simple yet addictive snack for Sankranti. You can add a bit of chili powder and black salt for an extra kick or keep them mild with just a touch of turmeric. Their crunchy texture and satisfying flavor make them a favorite during the festival.


Sev
Sev is a crispy snack made from chickpea flour (besan) that’s seasoned with spices like cumin, chili powder, and salt. This savory snack is often used as a garnish for chaats but can also be enjoyed on its own. It’s a great snack for festive occasions like Sankranti and is easy to make at home using a sev maker.