Sarson da saag, makki di roti, til gud laddoo: Savour the flavours of tradition this Lohri

From snacking on gajjak, revari, and til patti to relishing a traditional spread of makki di roti and sarson da saag, Lohri is the perfect occasion to indulge in winter delicacies. Traditional Punjabi dishes like pindi chhole, kulche, and maa ki dal served with crispy tandoori rotis are also a must-have. This year, chefs are all set to present a lavish spread with some popular dishes. They say, over the years, the menu for Lohri celebrations has hardly changed.

What’s on chefs’ Lohri platter
Chef Davinder Kumar, Vice President, F&B Production, at a central Delhi hotel, tells us, “For Lohri celebrations, I will be working on a spread that includes all traditional Punjabi delicacies. While gajjak, revari, etc, are part of the celebration around the bonfire, a family meal post that is a special one. Every family would have one dish that would be cooked every year on the festival. So, from maa ki dal to some kukkad dishes, all traditional favourites will feature in our menu.” Talking about how Lohri celebrations and preparations are reminiscent of his childhood, chef Atul Kochhar shares, “A perfect Lohri platter typically includes a mix of traditional and modern dishes. My favourite part of the celebration was helping my dad and mom prepare the traditional sarson da saag and makki di roti. We would work together, kneading the dough for the rotis and stirring the rich, green saag simmering on the stove. The aroma of mustard greens, spices, and the earthy scent of rotis would fill the air. One of my fondest memories of Lohri is the vibrant atmosphere in our family home. The entire house would resonate with laughter, lively conversations, and the sound of dhol beats as family and friends gathered around the bonfire in our backyard.”
Chef Ajay Chopra, who was also a judge on Master Chef India Seasons 1 and 2, says, “On Lohri, sesame and jaggery are integral components of most dishes commonly consumed during winter. At my home, my mother prepared til gud laddoos, and a paneer dish was definitely included in the menu, like on any other festival.”

Lohri must-haves
Sarson da saag and makki di roti: A classic Punjabi dish made with mustard greens and served with maize flour flatbread. It’s a Lohri staple.
Revari, gajjak and til laddoos: Sweet sesame seed and jaggery preparations like revari and gajjak are commonly enjoyed during Lohri. They add sweetness to the celebration. Sesame seeds and jaggery are considered auspicious during Lohri. You can have til laddoos or gud sweets, like patisa and chikki.
Groundnuts (moongfali) and popcorn: Roasted groundnuts and popcorn are popular snacks during Lohri. They symbolise abundance and prosperity.
– By chef Atul Kochhar