Todays Maha Shivratri Palaru/Upwas Lunch ... "Kesar-Badam Doodh (Saffron-Almond Milk), Udidu-Moongadali-Rulava Khotto (Urad dal-Moong dal-Rava Idly), Coconut-Ambuli (Raw Mango)-Alle' (Ginger) Chutney, Ambuli Pachodi (Spiced Raw Mango)" ... Stay Blessed ...
** Maha Shivratri is a auspicious day for almost all Hindus all round the globe and many of us do observe fasting the whole day eating only those dishes that are allowed for fasting in each ones community. Decades back I used to observe it strictly having only Kesar Badam Doodh and some fruits through the day. Well after having health issues for over a decade now, I have stopped the same and do not go fasting so strictly as I used to, though I wish I could. But having observed fasting from childhood it is not easy to now not do so and it makes me uncomfortable to not follow certain religious traditions. I am not preaching here to anyone, it is ones own choice how to lead their life, it is just that during my childhood we lived near the most famous Lord Shivji temple that is in kadri in Mangalore city. My mother made us have head bath, were fresh clothes and took us to the temple early in the morning before even having breakfast, say around 5.30 am to offer Milk Abhisheka to Shivlinga in the Temple.
** Almost every Manglorean must have visited at least once to this temple, if not at least heard about it as it is world famous having spring water tanks in its vicinity and people from all over the world come to take holy dip in it. We visited this temple several times a year as it was nearby and somehow that attachment has stayed to date. Even now when I visit my hometown which unfortunately has stopped now, I always made a point to visit this temple know as Kadri Manjunatha Temple, even if it is for a few minutes. Visiting this temple and offering Rudrabhisheka to the lord somehow gives me a inner satisfaction and peace in heart and mind, something we always happened to observe as children. I have also posted below a picture of a very old heirloom of stoneware “Shivlinga” that was passed on as a blessing to me from my Mother when my father passed away. This Shivlinga was brought from Rameshwaram from my father about 60 yrs back and is very precious to me. The tradition of Jala Abhishek to the Shivlinga is followed to date in my home and I always feel that it is one of the best gifts from my Mother to me.
** Coming to observing fasting, it is difficult to avoid food completely as one ages due to lot of health issues. In Konkani Saraswat Community for fasting we avoid, non-veg, onion, garlic and all dishes that include rice in it. There are a few more items that are also best avoided during fasting. Milk is a must during Shivratri and I have always made it a point to prepare "Kesar-Badam Doodh (Saffron-Almond Milk)”, as it is quite filling and gives relief from hunger pangs. We have it around mid morning and at night and for lunch we have some dosa or idly prepared without addition of rice. Mostly it urad dal and moong dal in combination, be it as idly or as dosa with some chutney. This time I prepared “Udidu-Moongadali-Rulava Khotto (Urad dal-Moong dal-Rava Idly)” which I served with “Coconut-Ambuli (Raw Mango)-Alle' (Ginger) Chutney”. Milk as usual was prepared. A little bit of raw mangoes after preparing the chutney was remaining of which I prepared just a wee bit of “Ambuli Pachodi (Spiced Raw Mango)" for hubby, who loves to have it.
** Without repeating the recipes which have already been posted before, I am sharing the link to them below, please go through the links for that particular dish which you would love to check up on. I am posting the link of “Urad dal-Moong dal-Rava Idly” below, the recipe is the same for khotto too, the only difference being that I prepared them as khottos ie steamed them in prepared jackfruit leaves basket, you can prepare them as Idlies too or if the leaves are available to you and you know to prepare the baskets do so and enjoy them as khottos. I have actually made a post on the preparing method too, to which also I will share a link below, if interested do check out the same. Taking the opportunity of Maha Shivatri to wish all of you happiness through life and also thanking each one of you for always being supportive both towards my Blog and my food group Konkani Delicacies. It is indeed a pleasure to have so many friends who have now become my extended family. Do go through the link below for the recipes and enjoy them with your family and friends.
** I would also like to say here that is always faith in God and the good deeds done by each of us is that which counts and not blindly following rituals or any other superstitions. Being spiritual is something by choice and should not be imposed on, so is observing fast. Children need not fast, but yes, if you introduce them to particular food on auspicious days it will do them a lot good through grown up years of life. People often ask me how come you observe / fast being a Non-Vegetarian. It puzzles me at times too; in fact, I did abstain from Non-Veg for 3 years about 5 year back only to fall into the pit of deficiencies and had to start back on the same on Doctors advice. I guess by birth when you have followed a pattern of food it becomes a part of your life and is embedded within you and the body begins to recognize the same too and needs it as it is accustomed to the same. Off course, you can leave it and substitute with something else, but I do not want to go to such extent. I believe that faith lies in ones heart and good and bad depends wholly on your deeds. I strongly believe in giving the best as per my capacity and if not the least I can do is not be a hinder in the process by doing bad, God forbid. So if you are not fasting too, you can relish these dishes trying them out on any other days of your choice. Just enjoy a lovely bf or lunch with it, tastes awesome.
** Given Below are the links to each Individual posts of the recipes to the dishes in the picture above … Please go through the links for the same ...
** For "Kesar-Badam Doodh (Saffron-Almond Milk)” Recipe, Please follow the link given below …
** For “Udidu-Moongadali-Rulava Khotto (Urad dal-Moong dal-Rava Idly)” Recipe, Please follow the link given below ….
** For “Coconut-Raw Mango Chutney” Recipe, Please follow the link given below …
** For “Ambuli Pachodi (Spiced Raw Mango)" Recipe, Please follow the link given below ….
** For the “Method of Preparing Jackfruit Leaves Khotto", Please follow the link given below …
** An Earnest Request : There are many more recipes of different types in the blog. For all my Recipes, use the search option or the label section in the Blog. If you are still not able to find it or have a query, please leave a message in comment section or mail me the same. I will try my best to get back to you as soon as possible. Do try out various types of dishes included in the Blog and Enjoy them with your family and friends and do give me a feedback if possible.
** I am happy to inform you that I have also started a food group for by the name "KONKANI DELICACIES" which is over and year old, with about 19K strong members. It is a pleasure to inform that you will find in the group many more recipes posted by our expert members and you too can share some of your own. The link to the group is posted on the left side of the blog page. Do join us in our culinary journey. I strongly believe in Sharing and always endorse that "Sharing Is Caring" … Thank You ….
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