Makara Chaula – Makar Sankranti Odia Cuisine

Makara Sankranti is one of the Hindu festivals which fall on the fixed date (14 January) every year(15 January if leap year). This festival celebrates the harvest and the end of winter. 

In details, from this day on wards sun becomes uttarayan or it starts moving towards north. This festival marks the return of longer days which signals a change of season. In Indian subcontinent, it is celebrated with some regional variations. 

In Odisha, particularly the tribal population celebrate this with great enthusiasm, singing, dancing, and mostly having an enjoyable time. Makara chaula is the traditional food made in every household of Odisha on makara sankranti. A mixture of freshly harvested rice with some jaggery, milk, chhena, banana, sugarcane results in the most delicious makara chaula. First, the prepared makara chaula is offered as naivedya to God, then serve to everyone. The rice used is preferably from the fresh harvest. So below is the step by step method of preparation of this Odisha special makara chaula.

Preparation Time : 10 mins | Soaking Time : 4 hours | Cooking Time : 0 mins

Ingredients :        

​Method :

1. Wash the rice properly and then soak for a minimum of 3-4 hours or overnight.
2. Then drain completely and put in a grinder jar. 
3. Add in shredded coconut and milk. Coarsely grind and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
4. Then add chopped apple, sugar, pomegranate seed, chhena, cardamom powder, black pepper powder. Mix everything well.
5. Just before serving, peel and crush the banana. Add into the mixture. 
6. Again mix and the result is a semi-liquid.
7. Serve and enjoy the Odisha special makara chaula !

Notes :

• Since the rice is consumed raw, so soaking is the important part. Soak the rice properly. Prefer to soak overnight if not in a hurry.
• Any fruit can be added as per choice.

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