गोपाळ काला: Endorsed by Lord Krishna himself...One of the most Nutritious and Fulfilling, Comfort food ever.... Try it

 गोपाळ काला

 

Introducing Gopalkala……. Endorsed by the Lord Krishna himself….

One of the most Nutritious and Fulfilling, Comfort food ever... Worth trying

 

Let us answer all the W&H questions on Gopalkala.

What When Why Where Who and How??

What is Gopal-Kala? Gopalkala is a traditional, Janmashtami special, Maharashtrian savory dish.

It is usually prepared as an offering to Lord Krishna during “Gokulashtami or Krishnashtami” celebrations.

Being very Nutritious and Fulfilling, it can be actually  served as a breakfast or evening snack, anytime during the year.

 

When :  Gokulashtami is the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, and is one of India’s most enjoyed festival. It is celebrated all over India with vigour and zeal.

 

Why : In India, we grow while imbibing  Customs and Traditions… Stories of Lord Krishna aren’t Mythology, They are our History…. Learning happens through story-telling in our households…  

 

As one of the greatest Gestures of Practising Equality and Rising above all Biases, Lord Krishna used to gather all the food brought by his fellow friends, mix it up into a “Kala” and distribute it equally amongst everyone…

Celebrating ‘Janmashtami’ by making Gopalkala, in the presence of our friends, family and neighbours, is a Befitting tribute to Remembering Lord Krishna.

Where : In Maharashtra, celebrations in most places are centred around the “Dahi Handi.” Dahi Handi  (literally translates to a potful of curd),  is the clay pot  filled with Dahi kala or Gopalkala ...

It is usually strung up high above in many neighbourhoods and groups of  young boys (and now, girls too) form intricate pyramids to reach and break these Pots.

The Gopalkala inside the pots is the Ultimate Treasure that everyone enjoys once the Dahi Handi is broken. This gopalkala is offered to Lord Krishna as” Naivedya” and then, distributed as “Prasad’ among the devotees…..

 Who: I feel everyone should try it atleast once… and then include it as a healthy alternative to Junk foods and OTC snacks, in their Diet regimens.

 How: I am sharing the traditional recipe handed down to me and little changes can be made according to your taste. Mostly all ingredients are easily available in indian households.

Ingredients:

·     Thick Poha/Rice flakes
·     Pufffed Jowar
·     Fresh, full fat curd
·     Cucumber, Pomegranate seeds, Apples, Soaked Groundnuts and Chana dal
·     Freshly Chopped coriander
·     Freshly grated Coconut
·     Sugar and Salt to taste

For Tempering

·        1 tsp Ghee

·        1/2 tsp Cumin seeds

·        A pinch of Hing / Asafoetida

·        1-2 Finely chopped Green chilies

·        1/2 tsp Grated Ginger

 Instructions

• Take Poha/Rice flakes in a colander and wash them with water, keep aside.
• In a mixing Bowl, take the full fat curd, add salt and sugar. Mix well.
• To this, Add washed Poha, puffed Jowar, cucumber, apples, pomegranate seeds, soaked groundnuts and soaked chana dal.
• Add coriander leaves and freshly grated coconut…… Mix well together.
• For tempering, heat Ghee, add cumin seeds, hing, green chillies and grated ginger.
• Add this tempering to the above mixture. Mix well and Gopalkala is ready…..
• Garnish with coriander and pomegranate seeds.

 

Serving Suggestions and Tips:

Serve Gopalkala cold or at room temperature.

Do not use sour curd or yogurt…. Use Fresh Full fat curd

To adjust the consistency of gopalkala, a little milk can be added.

 

Nutritionally….

Gopalkala is a Healthy, Nutritious , Satiating and Wholesome  snack.

A “No-cook” and Quick recipe…

Absolutely Child Friendly…

Can be Served as a breakfast or evening snack, anytime during the year.

Well- balanced in all Macronutrients

Rich in Micronutrients as well….