Panch-khadya (Naivedya/Prasadam for Ganpati)

Panch-khadya ... as the name suggests. 'Panch' means five and 'Khadya' means food. So Panch-Khadya is a mixture prepared using five of Lord Ganesha's favourite foods. It is also called Panch-khadya because it is prepared using 5 ingredients whose name begins with the marathi alphabet 'KH' viz: Khobra (Dry coconut), Kharik pud(Dry dates powder), Khus-  Khus (Poppy seeds) , Khismis(Raisins) and Khadi sakhar (Sugar cubes). Very easy to make and store. Healthy too. Since it is easy to store, one can prepare it in advance and keep. The leftover Panch-khadya (if any) can be used to make excellent 'karanjee' or 'Fried Modaks' ---One more favourite sweet of Ganesha. Here is a simple way to prepare panch-khadya... 

INGREDIENTS 

Dry coconut grated 1 bowl

Dessicated coconut 1/2 bowl

Raisins (khismis)  100 gms 

Khaskhas or poppy seed 100 gms  

Powder sugar 1 bowl

Square khadi sakhar (cubes) 50 gms

Kharik powder (Dry dates powder) 100 gms 

Cardamom powder 1/2 tsp 

                          

METHOD :

1. Dry roast the Dessicated coconut till light golden brown. Keep aside.

2. Dry roast dry coconut, poppy seeds and keep aside.

3. Roast the kharik powder just for a min or so.

4. Mix all the above ingredients after cooling.

5. Store in an airtight container.

6. Can be stored in refrigerator for couple of months and outside for upto 2 weeks.

7. Enjoy simple n easy prasad for Ganpati Bappa.