Gopalkala is a traditional Maharashtrian dish. (Image: Shutterstock)
A savoury meal called Gopalkala is made with poha, or flattened rice, curd, cucumber, coconut, and green chillies. It is generally served as prasad and also kept inside the Dahi Handi pot.
The festival of Krishna Janmashtami, which celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, is a time of great devotion and happiness. This is the season of the year when Krishna Janmashatmi’s joy is felt all around the country. This year, it is being celebrated today on August 26, on the 8th day (Ashtami) of the dark fortnight of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada. The nation celebrates this day with utmost divinity in different regions with its own customs and different dishes.
On this day, along with makhan (hand-churned butter) various prasad are offered to Makhanchor Lord Krishna. A savoury meal called Gopalkala is made with poha, or flattened rice, curd, cucumber, coconut, and green chillies. This is a traditional Maharashtrian cuisine that is a must-try for Janmashtami.
Lord Krishna is recognised across the world for his love of makhan.To make it even more delicious, fresh butter is also added. During Dahi Handi ritual, this meal is generally served as prasad and also kept inside the Dahi Handi pot.
Gopalkala is therefore one of the primary offerings made to Lord Krishna on the day of the festival and after Janmashtami. It is essentially a combination of the delicacies that Lord Krishna enjoyed, and is thus served as prasad to the god. We have provided here these simple instructions to master this incredible meal, if you too want to make this dish and add it to Lord Krishan’s exclusive bhog.
Gopalkala: Ingredients Needed
- 1 cup Flattened Rice / Poha – any variety
- Half cup Yogurt / Dahi
- 1 Cucumber, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoon Coconut, freshly grated
- 1 Green Chilli, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons Coriander Leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoon Pomegranate arils, (optional)
- 1 tablespoon Raisins, (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Salt as per required
Gopalkala: Ingredients For Tempering
- 1 teaspoon Ghee / Clarified Butter
- Half teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- Half teaspoon Jeera / Cumin Seeds
- Some curry leaves
- 1 Green Chilli, chopped
- Half teaspoon Asafoetida / Hing
Gopalkala: How to Make
- First, wash and soak the poha for 3–4 minutes thoroughly. Once the water is drained, set it aside.
- Next, transfer 1 or half cup of curd in a bowl and mix it until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the cucumbers, finely sliced ginger, roasted cumin seeds, green chilli powder, and two tablespoons of butter to the curd paste. To make the dish creamier, feel free to add extra butter.
- Now add some 3 tablespoons of grated coconut, raisins, salt as per taste and a handful of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves after that.
- Finally, blend the murmura and drained poha finely.
Gopalkala: Process for Tempering
Heat some ghee in a pan, then add some curry leaves, chopped green chillies, ginger, asafoetida, mustard seeds and cumin seeds and salt. Once it changes the colour, pour the tempering over the curd mixture. Now, your Gopalkala is ready to be served.
Gopalkala: Steps for Garnishing and Serving
- You can now garnish it by sprinkling some pomegranate seeds, fresh coriander leaves, grapes, and dry fruits.
- To make it look prettier, feel free to add some extra fruits to give the dish a touch of colour and sweetness.
- Now, serve it fresh and present it to the god.
- You can also have this meal during fasting days as it is a very light meal which makes it a perfect balance of nutrients.
Gopalkala, a perfect savoury, combines basic ingredients to produce something very wonderful.
This Krishna Janmashtami, make Gopalkala at home to celebrate Lord Krishna’s birth in a unique yet simple way. By presenting this dish to the god, one can surely get connected with the core values of Krishna’s life, which include love, devotion, and simplicity. Serve this delicious meal to your dear loved ones too.
