Importance of Govardhan Puja

Govardhan Puja has a special place in Hindu religion. This festival is celebrated on the next day of Diwali, when devotees worship Lord Krishna. On this occasion, Chhappan Bhog and Annakoot vegetables are offered to him.

Religious importance of Annakoot

It is believed that offering Annakoot on this day brings blessings of Lord Shri Krishna. Therefore, Annakoot vegetable is prepared in many homes and temples, which is also called Govardhan vegetable or pit vegetable. It is prepared with a mixture of fresh green vegetables and spices, which tastes amazing.

Ingredients for making Annakoot vegetable

Mixed vegetables (pumpkin, cauliflower, potato, carrot, beans, peas, parwal etc.) total 1 kg (chopped)
Tomato- 3-4 (finely chopped)
Ginger-green chilli paste: 2 tbsp
Desi ghee or mustard oil – 3-4 tablespoons
standing spices- bay leaves, dry red chilli, cumin, asafoetida, fenugreek seeds
Dry spices- turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, dry mango powder and fennel powder.
Salt as per taste and finely chopped coriander

Method of making Annakoot vegetable

– First of all, wash all the fresh vegetables thoroughly and cut them into small pieces. Then heat ghee or oil in a heavy bottom pan.

– Add asafoetida, cumin, fenugreek seeds, bay leaves and dry red chilli and temper it. When the tempering is ready, add ginger and green chilli paste.

Then add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli and fennel powder. Fry the spices until oil starts separating.

When the spices are roasted well, add all the chopped vegetables and salt as per taste.

– Mix vegetables with spices well. There is no need to add water separately, as the vegetables will cook in their own juice.

– Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium to low flame until the vegetables become soft. When the vegetables are cooked well, add garam masala and dry mango powder to it.

– Finally add finely chopped coriander and mix well.

Offering Annakoot with Puris

Your traditional Annakoot vegetable is ready. Its aroma and taste will remind of bhandara. On the day of Govardhan Puja, offer this vegetable to Shri Krishna along with hot puris and enjoy this special prasad with the family.

Tips to make Annakoot more delicious

The real taste of Annakoot vegetable comes from tempering it in pure desi ghee or mustard oil.

– Add seasoning of asafoetida and fenugreek seeds to it.

The quantity of pumpkin and sweet and sour tomatoes in the vegetable should be balanced.

– This gives natural thickness and excellent taste to the vegetable.