Happy Dasara/Vijayadasami

Wishing all a Happy Dasara / Vjayadasami to Friends and Family


Whenever we think of India we think as a land of festivals. Every festival brings with it few days of happiness and joy in the life of the people. Dussehra literally means that which takes away ten sins. This Hindu festival is celebrated all over India to mark the defeat of Ravana by Lord Rama. Dussehra symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Durga Puja is celebrated all the 10 days. Goddess Durga is depicted as a warrior woman riding a lion or a tiger with multiple hands carrying weapons and assuming mudras, or symbolic hand gestures. This form of the Goddess is the embodiment of feminine and creative energy.


The food which Goddess Durga likes the most is Yellow Rice (Pulihora) or anything made with Rice...

I made 10 varieties of dishes as prasadam for all the 10 days....

Annam Paravannam (Rice Pudding), Pulihora (yellow rice) , Daddojanam(curd rice), Lemon rice (Nimmakaya Pulihora), Ven Pongal (Katte pongali, Rice Pudding), khichdi, Chekkarra pongali (Sweet Pudding), Coconut Rice (Kobbari annam), Capsicum masala rice and Jeera (Cumin) Rice were some of the rice dishes.Today for Dussehra I made Yello rice (pulihora), Jeera rice, Plain rice, dal, Carrot kheer, Sorakaya (bottle gourd) curry, Pudina chutney and Pulusu (soup)


I Hope this celebration of Dussehra turns out to be fruitful.

Chakkara Pongali (Sweet Pongal)

Ingredients:

• Rice - 1/2 Cup.
• Mung dal + Chana dal - (3:1) - 1/2 cup (Lentils).
• Ghee (Butter)
• Cashewnuts
• kismis
• Milk - 1 cup
• Sugar - 1.5 cups
• Cardamom powder

Preparation:

Heat ghee in a pan and fry the cashewnuts and kismiss till brown and keep it aside.

In the same ghee fry the mung dal and chana dal for some time and then fry the rice. Add 2 cups of water and allow the rice to cook. Stir in between continuosly. Once the water is gone add the milk. Let it cook with the milk. Once the rice is completely cooked add sugar. Dont worry if the cooked pongali is hard because when its mixed with sugar it becomes soft.

Season it with cashewnuts, kismiss and Cardamom powder.

Serve Hot or cold.