Panjeri Recipe: A Traditional Pakistani Comfort Food

by Aleezay Khan

Panjeri recipe is essentially comfort food in a dish. This traditional Pakistani recipe focuses on combining simple ingredients to craft something extraordinary. The base is whole wheat flour that turns golden and toasty, mixed with rich ghee for a smooth texture, and various nuts for that satisfying crunch. Picture a mixture that’s slightly crumbly, sweet, and boasts a gorgeous golden hue, with the aroma of cardamom gently wafting through. Panjeri is more than just a meal, it’s a form of comfort on a plate, embodying warmth and nourishment with every spoonful.

In Pakistani culture, it’s not just a treat but a staple during colder months and a symbol of hospitality, sharing warmth and well-being with every serving.

Ingredients used in panjeri recipe

Ready to whip up some heartwarming Panjeri recipe, these are the ingredients you need:

1. Whole Wheat Flour: 1 cup, the base that gives Panjeri its delightful texture.
2. Ghee (Clarified Butter): ½ cup, for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
3. Powdered Sugar: ¾ cup, to sweeten the deal.
4. Almonds: ¼ cup, chopped, for a nutty crunch.
5. Cashews: ¼ cup, chopped, adding to the nutty delight.
6. Pistachios: ¼ cup, chopped, for a pop of color and flavor.
7. Edible Gum (Gond): 2 tablespoons, fried, for a unique crunch and health benefits.
8. Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon, for that aromatic warmth.
9. Dried Ginger Powder (Sonth): 1 teaspoon, for a hint of spice and warmth.

Cooking Tools required for panjeri recipe

To transform these ingredients into the comforting delight that is Panjeri recipe, you need a few kitchen tools:

1. Heavy Bottom Pan: Ideal for roasting the flour to golden perfection without burning it.
2. Mixing Bowl: A large one to comfortably mix all your ingredients and ensure everything is well combined.
3. Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the mixture on the stove, ensuring even heat distribution.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in the perfect balance of flavors, so these tools will be your best friends.
5. Frying Pan: For lightly toasting the nuts and frying the edible gum, enhancing their flavors and textures.
6. Storage Container: Once your Panjeri is ready and cooled, you’ll need airtight containers to store it, keeping it fresh and delicious.

How to make panjeri recipe: Step by step process;

Making Panjeri is more than just cooking, it’s bringing tradition to life with each bite. Follow these steps to make this recipe:

1. Roast the Flour: Begin by heating a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Add the ghee and let it melt. Once hot, pour in the whole wheat flour. Roast it for about 10-15 minutes or until it turns a rich golden color and emits a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
2. Toast the Nuts: In a separate pan, lightly toast the chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios over low heat until they’re golden and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your Panjeri.
3. Fry the Edible Gum: In the same pan, add a little ghee and fry the edible gum until it puffs up. It should be light and airy, adding a unique texture to the mix.
4. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the roasted flour to a large mixing bowl. Add the toasted nuts, fried edible gum, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and dried ginger powder. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld together perfectly.
5. Cool and Store: Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Panjeri can be stored and enjoyed for several weeks, making it a perfect snack or a healthful addition to your daily diet.

Expert Tip

Here’s a tip that might surprise you – add a tablespoon of lightly roasted and powdered fenugreek seeds to your Panjeri. Why? Fenugreek seeds are not only packed with health benefits like aiding digestion and reducing inflammation, but they also introduce a subtle bitterness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the ghee. This addition transforms the Panjeri into a more complex and beneficial health food, offering a depth of flavor that’s both unexpected and delightful. This tip, steeped in years of culinary experimentation, elevates the traditional Panjeri, making it not just a treat for the palate but a boon for health.

Serving Tips

Here are best sides to make your Panjeri even better:

1. Warm Milk: A glass of warm milk complements the rich, nutty flavors of Panjeri, making it a comforting bedtime snack.
2. Masala Chai: A cup of spicy masala chai alongside Panjeri is perfect for those chilly mornings or evenings, offering a balance of flavors.
3. Yogurt: A bowl of plain or flavored yogurt can add a refreshing contrast to the sweet and hearty Panjeri, making for a balanced breakfast or snack.
4. Fruit Salad: Serve Panjeri with a side of fresh fruit salad for a nutritious and vibrant start to your day.
5. Hot Coffee: A strong, hot coffee goes wonderfully with the sweet and nutty Panjeri, especially for those who prefer a bitter contrast to the sweetness.

Check more desserts recipes

Akhroti Sohn Halwa Recipe
Sheer Khurma Recipe
Besan ke Ladoo Recipe
Masala Chai Ice Cream Recipe
Jalebi Recipe

Storage Instructions

Keep your Panjeri recipe fresh and tasty by storing it the right way:

To Store:

Cool Completely: Make sure your Panjeri is completely cooled to room temperature to prevent moisture buildup that can lead to spoilage.

Airtight Container: Transfer the cooled Panjeri into an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to a month or in the refrigerator for extended freshness, where it can last for up to 3 months.

To Reheat:

Optional Reheating: Panjeri is typically enjoyed at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, especially during colder months, you can quickly reheat it in a pan over low heat for a few minutes. Just stir continuously to prevent it from burning.

Conclusion

I just made my own batch of Panjeri, and it turned out to be really heartwarming. This isn’t just following a recipe; it’s about experiencing the flavors that remind you of comfort, good health, and Pakistani tradition. Making it for a quiet evening or as a healthy snack for the family, Panjeri always makes the house smell wonderful and fills me with happiness. Putting everything together and seeing the final product was truly rewarding. It was like connecting with my roots. The best moment? Watching my family enjoy it. That’s the real beauty of Pakistani Panjeri – it’s not just food, it’s a part of our culture.

I’d love to see how your Panjeri turned out! Share your creations with me and let’s keep the tradition alive, one delicious spoonful at a time.

Frequently asked questions

What is Panjiri made of?

Panjiri is a beloved Punjabi dessert crafted from whole wheat flour, powdered sugar, almonds, cashew nuts, raisins, melon seeds, kamarkas (Butea gums), poppy seeds, edible gum (goond), coconut, pistachios, and ghee. It’s traditionally prepared during the winter months, offering warmth and nutrition.

What is the English of Panjiri?

In English, Panjiri could be described as a traditional blend of nuts, seeds, and semolina, all gently roasted in ghee and then coarsely ground into a crunchy mixture. You might compare it to a kind of Indian-style granola, though it’s much more than just a simple snack.

What is Panjeri and why is it considered healthy?

Panjeri is a traditional South Asian nutritional supplement made from a mix of dry fruits, ghee (clarified butter), wheat flour, and sugar. It is considered healthy due to its high content of essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats. These ingredients collectively support immunity, provide energy, and are particularly beneficial for postpartum recovery, aiding in the healing and strengthening of the body.

Can sugar be substituted in Panjeri? What are the alternatives?

Sugar in Panjeri can be substituted with healthier alternatives like jaggery, honey, or maple syrup, which can add different flavors and nutritional profiles. The choice of sweetener can be adjusted based on dietary preferences and health considerations.

 

Panjeri Recipe: A Traditional Pakistani Comfort Food

Discover the traditional Panjeri recipe, a wholesome Pakistani dessert packed with nuts and flavor. Perfect for health and comfort. #PanjeriRecipe #HealthyDessert

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 4 People

Ingredients

  

• Whole Wheat Flour: 1 cup the base that gives Panjeri its delightful texture.
• Ghee Clarified Butter: ½ cup, for that rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
• Powdered Sugar: ¾ cup to sweeten the deal.
• Almonds: ¼ cup chopped, for a nutty crunch.
• Cashews: ¼ cup chopped, adding to the nutty delight.
• Pistachios: ¼ cup chopped, for a pop of color and flavor.
• Edible Gum Gond: 2 tablespoons, fried, for a unique crunch and health benefits.
• Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon for that aromatic warmth.
• Dried Ginger Powder Sonth: 1 teaspoon, for a hint of spice and warmth.

Instructions

 

• Roast the Flour: Begin by heating a heavy-bottom pan over medium heat. Add the ghee and let it melt. Once hot, pour in the whole wheat flour. Roast it for about 10-15 minutes or until it turns a rich golden color and emits a nutty aroma. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
• Toast the Nuts: In a separate pan, lightly toast the chopped almonds, cashews, and pistachios over low heat until they're golden and fragrant. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your Panjeri.
• Fry the Edible Gum: In the same pan, add a little ghee and fry the edible gum until it puffs up. It should be light and airy, adding a unique texture to the mix.
• Combine Ingredients: Transfer the roasted flour to a large mixing bowl. Add the toasted nuts, fried edible gum, powdered sugar, cardamom powder, and dried ginger powder. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors meld together perfectly.
• Cool and Store: Allow the mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Panjeri can be stored and enjoyed for several weeks, making it a perfect snack or a healthful addition to your daily diet.

Notes

Here's a tip that might surprise you – add a tablespoon of lightly roasted and powdered fenugreek seeds to your Panjeri. Why? Fenugreek seeds are not only packed with health benefits like aiding digestion and reducing inflammation, but they also introduce a subtle bitterness that beautifully balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the ghee. This addition transforms the Panjeri into a more complex and beneficial health food, offering a depth of flavor that's both unexpected and delightful. This tip, steeped in years of culinary experimentation, elevates the traditional Panjeri, making it not just a treat for the palate but a boon for health.