"Naivedyam : Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal)~Rice Sweet Khichidi" ... A delicious sweet dish prepared on auspicious festive occasions as an offering to Lord Vishnu ... specially during Margashira Masa (Dhanur Masa) which is fondly called Khichidi-masa by Konkani Saraswats ... sharing "Prasadam" with all my friends here ... Stay Blessed~ Spread Happiness ......
** Traditions are something I like to follow, though I must admit I have no much knowledge of them. Ours was a large family with guests and relatives dropping by often, so it was difficult for Mom to follow too many rituals, added to it was that my father too was flexible and though we had immense faith in God and followed almost all rituals on festive days, the other days were sort of relaxed. Therefore, I know only that much how much little I picked up from Mom, relatives and a few from friends. Reading is my passion and I can read anything from novels, to spirituals to politics and I do not get bored, even comics are something I catch up often, so a lot knowledge about festivals is something which I collected by reading books or going through articles on net. Today is Vaikunta Ekadashi observed in the month of Dhanur masa / Margashira masa, which is a very special day of Lord Venkataramana (Srinivasa/ Balaji) and is celebrated in most temples with great pomp. The day however differs between some communities and we GSB Konkani Saraswats celebrate it now as we follow Udyavar Panchang while many follow otherwise and that falls during Pausha Masa ie next month.
** Well, I prepared this Sweet Khichidi with Chana Dal and Rice also known as sweet Pongal elsewhere as Naivedyam offering to God. As I have mentioned many times before in my posts this month is fondly called Khichidi Masa, frankly I have no knowledge why, but we do prepare sweet khichidi as Naivedyam with different lentil combinations and relish them with dosa which is a famous combo called Khichid-Polo. I have written about this festive month/ masa that is special to Hindus specially down southern parts of India many times in my blog before which you can check out on by using search option for khichidi posts. Coming to combination of khichidi, chana dal or whole green moong with rice is the most common combo prepared in most Konkani Saraswat homes. However, I have posted many with lapsi/broken wheat and millets along with a few with poha too. I have added sugar but you can add in jaggery too, which tastes awesome. The recipe and preparation methods are all somewhat same with minor differences, so I am adding on the recipe each time for convenience of all. Do try out different combos of this sweet khichidi and enjoy with your family and friends.
** Here is the simple method of preparing … “Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal)~Rice Sweet Khichidi” My Style …
** Ingredients :
Raw Rice : 2 cups. (I used Surti Kollam)
Chana Dal/ Bengal Gram Dal : 3/4 to 1 cup
Sugar/ Shakkar : 1.5 to 2 cups (Approximately, +/- as per individual taste)
Coconut : ¾ th to 1 cup freshly grated.(Approximately)
Cardamom/ Ellaichi Powder : ½ tsp
Ghee/Toop : ½ cup
Cashew Nuts/Kajjubi : a handful
Saffron/Kesas : a pinch
Milk/Doodh : 2 tblsp
Ripe Ellaichi Bananas : 2 (You can use any variety)
** Wash and put raw rice and chana dal/bengal gram dal separately in colander for the water gets properly drained off properly. Add saffron in hot milk and keep it aside ready too.
** Add 2-3 tblsp of ghee in a pressure cooker pan and add in the drained chana dal and fry till it changes to golden colour on medium heat. Lower the heat to minimum and carefully add in about 2 cups of water, cover with the lid and pressure cook on medium heat to two whistles. Once done let the pressure fall on its own. When you are able to open the lid of the pressure cooker, do so and keep it ready.
** In a thick bottomed kadai add in the remaining ghee, when hot add cashew nut pieces and fry till evenly browned, remove gently draining excess ghee back in kadai and keep it aside in a plate for garnishing later. Now add the drained rice and fry for 2-3 minutes, then add in about 4 cups of water and bring to a boil stirring often. Cook the rice till 80% done on medium to low heat.
** Now add the pressure cooked chana dal along with the water left if any and also the saffron soaked milk and mix well. There should be some water, if not add some boiling water and cook both together for about 5 minutes. Now add sugar and mix well, when the sugar starts to melt the khichidi will begin to thin out, do not worry, it will start thickening again.
** Keep stirring often to avoid the khichidi getting burnt at the bottom. Now add in the finely grated coconut and mix well. Cook on low heat mixing often for atleast 5-8 minutes. Again if you find the khichidi going too dry add some boiling water. This happens with certain quality of rice as it is difficult to understand how much rice will absorb on cooking process.
** Remove the khichidi from fire when it is mixed well and turns slightly mushy in texture. Add in the cardamom powder and mix well. Then garnish with the fried cashew nut pieces kept aside. Cut the bananas into thin round slices and top them on the khichidi and it is done and ready to be offered to Lord as Naivedyam and thereby distributed among family and friends.
** “Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal)~Rice Sweet Khichidi” is done and ready to be offered as Naivedyam to God and then distributed among family and friends. You can add on a generous helping of hot melted ghee on top while serving this sweet khichidi, it does add on to the taste. Try this delicious sweet khichidi/pongal and serve it as it is or with any dosa of your choice and enjoy with family and friends.
** It does taste great and is a common combo known as Khichidi-polo among Konkani Saraswats. Children love sweet dishes and they are sure to love it, also it is healthier compared to outside food which is not good at all for growing youngsters. A little bit different from normal sweet dishes, but never the less awesome. The same can be packed in tiffin and carried in lunch box too or even while travelling, remains good for a few hours.
** Note : The quantity of addition of Sugar and Ghee can be cut down if need be depending upon your choice. You can use non-stick ware pans for cooking, so that you can add in less of ghee, though the said amount gives a lovely sweet textured khichidi that is irresistible, modern times it is highly recommended to cut down unnecessary calories, so you can do so if desired, entirely individual choice.
** I have included both sweet and spicy Khichidi posts before with different combinations, like whole green moong, lentils, millets etc. I am sharing a common link below to the Khichidi/ Pongal posts of my blog, please do go through the link and try out different types of khichidi. Home cooked food is the best gift you can offer to coming generation and build in a tradition for generations to come, so do try out your best to do so and you will be glad one fine day that you instilled good habits in your children. Stay Blessed~Spread Happiness.
** 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 23 K 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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