Ponkh Salad Recipe | Green Jowar/ Hurda Bhel

Fresh Jowar/ Ponkh Salad is a traditional and healthy food recipe from Gujarat and Maharashtra, the two beautiful and culturally rich Indian states. 

Hurda parties in these states bring happiness to the first appearance of the staple crop- the Fresh Tender Jowar/Ponkh. It's a festival that is celebrated for a small span of time from December to February month and is as joyful as festivals like Pongal in southern Asia, Yam festival in Ghana, and Moon Festival in China and Taiwan.

 The duration of this festival varies from place to place but nonetheless of the manifestation, the festival brings the hopes of enabling plenty of food in the coming year. Huge local feasts like roasted /barbequed tender Sorghum Stalks served with spicy garlic chutney along with campfires and dances with folks are the attractions to the farms.

Being from the north of India the newness and ultimate excitement of this new ingredient inspired me to prepare the recipe for fresh Ponkh salad. This salad is quick and simple yet flavorsome with a combination of juicy, aromatic, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Overall, refreshing delicious Hurda Bhel/ salad is a  nutritious side dish that is a must-try for all who are looking to explore the diverse cuisines of India.

Read other related recipes:

• Vegan Broccoli Apple Salad
• Vietnamese Rice Paper Roll
• Egyptian Green Salad

Overview

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

Serve: 2

Course: Appetizer

Ingredients

Veggies

• Ponkh / Hurda- 1 and 1/2 cups
• Cucumber- 1/4 cup
• Finely Chopped Tomato- 1 small size 
• Chopped Onion- 1 small size
• Chopped Coriander- Handful
• Lemon Juice- 1 tablespoon

Seasoning & Others

• Salt-1/2 tablespoon
• Chaat Masala- 3/4 teaspoon
• Extra virgin olive oil- 1teaspoon
• Sweet Tamarind Chutney- 1 teaspoon (homemade or store-bought as per availability)
• Besan Sev- for topping and garnishing

Step-By-Step Process of Making Ponkh Salad/Bhel

Step-1

Steam or boil the fresh Ponkh for 3- 4 minutes till it becomes tender and soft.

Step-2

Remove the excess water by passing it through the colander.

Step-3

Once Ponkh is cooled transfer them to a mixing bowl. Add chopped onion, cucumber, and tomatoes to the same mixing bowl.

Step-4

Season the prepared mix with salt and chaat masala. Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil.

Step-5

Squeeze lemon juice to make it more refreshing and tasty.

Step-6

To add a little sweetness, drop some Khatti Mitthi Imli ki Chutney.

Step-7

Before it satiates your tastebuds, add a handful of fresh coriander and mix well.

Final Serve

Top it up with fine Sev and serve your loved ones a completely healthy but super delicious Seasonal Ponkh Salad. 

Video Recipe