Super Easy Dry Fruit Recipes to Try This Lohri & Makar Sankranti

As we enter 2024, India eagerly anticipates the dual festivities of Lohri on January 13th and Makar Sankranti on January 15th. These celebrations carry profound cultural and agricultural significance, marking the year's commencement. Lohri, symbolizing the end of winter, joyously honors the successful harvest of crops. Makar Sankranti follows, signifying the sun's transition into Capricorn, captivating astrology enthusiasts. Celebrated diversely across India, from Pongal in Tamil Nadu to Uttrayan in Gujarat, these festivals encapsulate the nation's rich cultural tapestry. Both events unite in spreading joy while underscoring northern India's cultural and agricultural heritage, emphasizing gratitude for the harvest and diverse traditions.

With the festival approaching, hosting guests and serving them can be overwhelming. Often, people tend to consume sweets high in sugar and other ingredients that are not beneficial for their health. But there's no need to worry! We've compiled a list of fantastic and healthy recipes that cater to people of all ages and act as a perfect snack while keeping your health goals in mind.

Significance of Dry Fruits in Lohri and Makar Sankranti

Dry fruits play a special role, bringing a healthy touch to your celebrations. Often, we observe folks indulging in high-calorie sweets and chips during festivals, affecting their health. This year, consider including dry fruits and nuts in your festivities. Brimming with nutritious goodness, they contribute to a wholesome celebration. These additions enhance the nutritional value and strike a perfect balance, countering the excessive sweetness associated with festivals. Make a positive change by incorporating these healthy delights into your daily diet, ensuring your celebrations are joyous and mindful of your well-being.

Healthy and Easy Dry Fruit Recipes

1.Dry Fruits Ladoo Recipe 

Ingredients 

• ½ cup Almonds
• ½ cup Cashew nuts
• ½ cup Pistachios
• Eight pieces Wet Dates
• Six pieces Dried Figs
• Six pieces Dried Apricots

Instructions

• Heat a pan over medium flame and dry roast almonds and cashews until they become aromatic.
• Add a handful of pistachios to the pan and dry roast for 2-3 minutes until they release their flavors.
• Once the nuts turn slightly golden, remove them from the flame and set aside.
• Utilizing the heat in the pan, place wet dates, apricots, and figs, allowing them to warm up. Remove them from the pan when heated through.
• Chop all the dried fruits and nuts into halves, creating bite-sized pieces for a delightful mix.

Method

• Blend all the ingredients into a fine powder using a food processor.
• Combine the powdered mixture thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
• Divide the mixture into equal portions.
• Shape each portion into compact balls.
• Store the prepared balls in an airtight container until your guests arrive. Your delicious treat is now ready to be served! 

2.Dry Fruits Barfi Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1.5 cup dates
• 2 tbsp Chopped Dried Figs
• 2 tbsp Raisins
• ½ tbsp Cardamom Powder
• ½ cup Chopped Almonds
• ½ cup Cashew Nuts
• 1 tbsp Ghee
• ¼ cup Chopped Walnuts
• 3 tbsp Pumpkin Seeds
• 3 tbsp Chopped Pistachios 
• 2 tbsp Sunflower Seeds

Instructions 

• Begin by heating 1 tbsp of ghee in a pan. Add ½ cup each of almonds, cashew nuts, 1/4th cup of walnuts, 2 tbsp of sunflower seeds, and 3 tbsp of pistachios and pumpkin seeds.
• Roast the mixture on a low flame until the nuts achieve a crunchy texture and delightful taste.
• In a grinder, grind 1.5 cups of dates into a smooth paste.
• Heat another tablespoon of ghee in a kadai and add 2 tbsp of dried figs and raisins.
• Introduce the ground dates paste to the kadai, ensuring a thorough mix. Stir well to create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Method 

• Allow the mixture from the previous step to cool.
• Shape the cooled mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
• Roll each ball over poppy seeds and mold them into cylindrical logs.
• Wrap the logs in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Once chilled, cut the log into thick slices to enjoy your delightful Dry Fruit Barfi.

3.Dry Fruit Halwa Recipe

Ingredients 

• 1 cup finely chopped dates
• 1 cup finely chopped dried figs
• ¼ cup chopped pistachios 
• ¼ cup chopped cashew nuts
• ¼ cup chopped almonds
• ¼ cup walnuts
• 1 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp ghee 

Instructions 

• Put the chopped dates and figs in a blender with one tablespoon of milk and ghee. Blend until it becomes a smooth mixture.
• Heat some ghee in a pan. Add chopped nuts and the blended dates and figs to the pan.
• Cook the dry fruits in the pan for 3 to 4 minutes until they are well-mixed.
• Add ghee to another preheated pan and put the nuts, the blended dates, and the figs into it. Cook the dry fruit halwa for 4 to 5 minutes until it blends well. Keep stirring every few minutes until the mixture comes away from the pan's sides. Turn off the heat.

Method 

Pour the mixture into a pan to set the dry fruit halwa, creating smooth layers. Let it cool completely and set it in the pan. For a quicker setting process, you can place it in the refrigerator.  

4.Dry Fruit Chikki Recipe 

Ingredients 

• ¾ cup of almond halves
• ¾ cup of cashew nuts
• 2 tbsp pistachios
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 cup jaggery 
• ¼ cup water
• ¼ tbsp cardamom powder

Instructions 

• Take ¾ cup almonds, ¾ cup cashew nuts, 2 tbsp pistachios, and 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds.
• Dry roast the ingredients until they become crunchy.
• Add 1 tbsp ghee and 1/4th cup of water in a large kadai.
• Dissolve jaggery in the water, stirring until completely mixed.
• Boil for 6-7 minutes until the jaggery syrup becomes frothy.
• Add roasted nuts and ¼ tbsp cardamom powder. Mix well.
• Pour the mixture onto a butter paper or a ghee-greased steel plate.
• Cover with another greased paper and roll using a rolling pin.

Method 

• After cooking, allow the treat to cool before cutting it into small pieces. You can store the pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. 

Conclusion

As we wrap up our festive journey filled with mouthwatering recipes and delightful moments, it's time to accentuate the true spirit of celebration. Festivals are the pinnacle of joy, shared with loved ones and marked by the creation of everlasting memories. This enticing and delicious recipe collection is designed to satisfy taste buds and leave an indelible mark, making your festivities unforgettable. 

In preparing these delectable dishes, we recognize the challenge of finding thoughtful gifts that express genuine care. Fear not, for we not only stand as your culinary partner with the finest, best quality dry fruits but also extend a curated gifting collection. The selection boasts eye-catching packaging, filled with the goodness of delicious and best dry fruits and nuts. This ensures that gift-giving becomes a joyous experience rather than a hassle.