Gudi Padwa is a traditional Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the new year according to the Hindu calendar. Celebrated mainly in Maharashtra and other regions of India, the festival falls on the first day of the Chaitra month, which usually falls in March or April. Gudi Padwa is a time for new beginnings and is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy.

The festival is marked by the hoisting of a Gudi (a flag-like structure) outside homes. The Gudi is made by tying a bright green or yellow cloth to a bamboo stick and then decorating it with neem leaves, flowers, and a garland made of sugar crystals. It symbolizes victory and is believed to ward off evil and bring prosperity and good luck.

The festival is celebrated with traditional rituals, prayers, and feasting. People wear new clothes, decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli, and prepare delicious traditional delicacies.

One of the traditional foods consumed during Gudi Padwa is Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread stuffed with sweet lentil filling. While Puran Poli is a delicious and essential part of the Gudi Padwa celebrations, including quinoa in the festive menu can offer various health benefits.

Quinoa is a gluten-free, protein-packed grain that has become popular in recent years due to its numerous health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of including quinoa in your Gudi Padwa celebrations:

• High in Nutrients: Quinoa is a good source of essential vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and potassium.
• Helps in Weight Loss: Quinoa is high in fiber and protein, which can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce overall calorie intake, aiding in weight loss.
• Improves Heart Health: Quinoa is rich in heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber, which can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Gluten-Free: Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, making it a safe option for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
• Versatile: Quinoa can be used in a variety of dishes and can be substituted for rice or other grains in traditional recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup split yellow pigeon peas (toor dal)
• 1/2 cup jaggery, grated
• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp oil
• Water, as needed
• For Puran Poli filling:

Rinse the split yellow pigeon peas (toor dal) and soak them in water for 30 minutes.
Drain the water and transfer the dal to a pressure cooker with 1 cup water.
Pressure cook for 2 whistles, then reduce the heat and cook for another 10 minutes on low heat.
Once done, let the pressure release naturally.
Open the cooker and mash the dal using a spoon or a masher.
Add grated jaggery and mix well.
Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until the jaggery melts and the mixture thickens.
Add ground cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Mix well.
Cook for another 5 minutes until the filling thickens and the mixture starts to leave the sides of the pan.
Remove from heat and let it cool.

For Quinoa:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer.
2. In a medium saucepan, add water and bring it to boil.
3. Add the quinoa to the boiling water, reduce the heat to low, and cover the saucepan.
4. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool.

For Puran Poli dough:

• In a large mixing bowl, add whole quinoa flour, all-purpose flour, oil, and salt.
   
• Mix well.
   
• Add water as needed and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic.
   
• Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

For Puran Poli:

1. Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and roll them into balls.
2. Take one ball and roll it out into a small circle.
3. Place a spoonful of the Puran Poli filling in the center of the rolled-out dough circle.
4. Bring the edges of the dough together and seal the filling inside.
5. Dust some flour on the stuffed dough and roll it out gently into a thin circle.
6. Heat a tawa or griddle over medium heat.
7. Place the rolled-out Puran Poli on the tawa and cook until both sides are golden brown, brushing ghee on both sides.
8. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
9. Serve hot with cooked quinoa as a healthy and nutritious meal.

Cooking Time:

1. Soaking time: 30 minutes
2. Cook time for Puran Poli filling: 30 minutes
3. Cook time for Quinoa: 20 minutes
4. Resting time for dough: 30 minutes
5. Cook time for Puran Poli: 30 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 478 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 89 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Sodium: 172 mg
• Fiber: 11 g
• Sugar: 22 g
• Vitamin A: 7%
• Vitamin C: 1%
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 22%

In conclusion, Gudi Padwa is a time for new beginnings and celebrating with family and friends. While Puran Poli is an essential part of the festivities, including quinoa in your Gudi Padwa menu can offer various health benefits and add a new dimension to traditional dishes. So go ahead, try out some quinoa-based recipes this Gudi Padwa and enjoy the festivities while keeping your health in mind. Happy Gudi Padwa!