With Janmashtami right around the corner, all Krishna devotees around the world are at an all-time high. Janmashtami will fall on 18th or 19th August this year. Janmashtami celebrates the birth of Hindu God Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudev. Janmashtami is also known as Krishna Janmashtami or Gokul Ashtami.
Also Read: Janamashtami 2022: How To Make Vrat-Special Farali Aloo Tikki
On this day, devotees wake up early and prepare different kinds of prasad and bhog to offer to the deity. One of the traditional prasads prepared on this day is Gopalkala. It is super easy to make at home and is prepared with the combination of yogurt, cucumber, coconut, chiwda , green chillies and salt. The savoury treat could be one of the offerings on ‘chappan bhog', a bhog dedicated to Lord Krishna comprising fifty-six sweet and savoury items.
(Also Read: Janmashtami Special: Why Does The Chappan Bhog Include 56 Items?)
Here's how you can make Gopalkala at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup soaked chiwda or poha
- 4 tbsp curd
- 2 tablespoons of fresh coconut, grated
- 1 small-sized cucumber, peeled and chopped
- 1 teaspoon ghee
- 2 green chillies, finely chopped
- 1 tsp jeera seeds
- Salt for taste
- Coriander leaves for garnishing
(Also Read: Janmashtami 2022: Here's A Special Vegetarian Menu For The Festivity)
Method:
1. Soak the chiwda in water for 3-4 minutes.
2. Drain the water and keep it aside.
3. For seasoning, heat the ghee on medium flame, add cumin seeds and allow it to crackle, add some green chillies and fry for one minute. You can add a teaspoon of mustard seeds in here too.
4. Now, take a large mixing bowl, add the soaked chiwda, and now add some yogurt, cucumber, coconut, salt as per your liking. Pour the seasoning on top. Give everything a nice mix, garnish with coriander leaves.
Your Gopalkala is ready to serve. Happy Janmashtami 2021, everybody!