A bowl of freshly prepared coriander panjiri is a familiar part of Janmashtami bhog in many homes. Roasted coriander gives the mixture its distinctive aroma, while makhana, nuts and coconut add body and texture. Serve it in a small bowl alongside fruit and panchamrit, following your family’s offering traditions.
For this Krishna bhog recipe, prepare each ingredient separately. Roast the coriander gently, crisp the makhana in ghee and lightly roast the nuts, melon seeds and coconut. Cool the ingredients before grinding them into a coarse mixture.
Fold in boora or jaggery powder, then add a small amount of cardamom. Finish with a few slivered nuts if desired. The panjiri should stay crumbly, so avoid prolonged grinding and keep moisture out of the serving bowl.
Making the mixture before puja leaves it ready to offer and share afterwards. Store it in a dry, airtight container until serving.
Find quantities and the complete preparation method in Chukde’s guide to dhaniya panjiri for Janmashtami.