Rose Chia Pudding topped with Gulkand- Almond Slivers

"Rose Chia Pudding topped with Gulkand- Almond Slivers" ... Vasant Panchami Greetings to all my friends ... There is no end to gaining of knowledge and it is that much more a joy when shared with others ... today on Vasant Panchami day Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of knowledge music, art, nature and who represents the free flow of wisdom is worshiped ... also 2nd day of Rath Saptami in my home town Mangalore, when Lord Venkatesha the residing deity of temple adorns himself in Vasant Mantap in all glory... sharing a sweet dish on this auspicious occasion with all my friends ... Be Inspired- Gain Knowledge and Spread Wisdom ... 

** As mentioned today is a auspicious festive day important for all Hindus and more so for amchies belonging to Mangalore as it is 2nd day of Rath Saptami too. Staying in Mumbai does not make me forget my roots. I have nostalgic childhood memories of kodial (Mangalore) teru (cart festival) that we attended with family and relatives. I have written many times before too about this festive season and I do miss the tasty prasada panna jevan (meal served on plantain leaves) from temple, which we eagerly waited for, on all five days of the festival. The delicious tomato saaru that has a totally different taste that can never be made at home, try how much we may. Many friends write temple saaru when presenting their saar, but trust me it can never be achieved, for that matter none of the dishes prepared at home can match that from the temples. The divine grace of Lord on the prasadam is the main reason for it, it just enhances the food to such an unattainable standard, something which really cannot be described in words. The chana gashi, and many more traditional dishes served by enthusiastic volunteers is something one must actually witness. We relished on panak, chanbure upkari, pachodi etc. that was sold outside temple, also bajos, candies and many more snacks. 

** The chattering too used to just go on till food was served as so many friends happen to meet here almost once in a year. But the beauty of the Idol of God being taken in palki/palanki in dancing steps is something spellbinding ... all these beautiful memories are captured and still fresh in my mind and will always be. It's that time of the year when lakhs of GSB's from in and around Mangalore throng to temple for the divine darshan and to partake in the festive activities on all 6 days. As all amchi's round the world are aware it is, "Ratha Saptami in Sri Venkatramana Temple", Car Street, Mangalore, a six day long festival that is going on now. Today is 2nd day (Vasant Panchami), while on 31.01.2002 it's sana teru and on 1.02.2002 is Brahma Rathotsava/ hodu teru in divine presence of our Dharma Guru of Sri Kashi Matt Samsthan, Kashi Matadhipathi Shrimad Samyameendra Thirtha Swamiji. I have always made it a point to prepare some sweet dish on these days so that we stay connected at least by mind, heart and soul to our roots and not forget the place we grew up with so many fond memories. For a change switched over to a simple rose flavored pudding as for the past few months I had enough of amchi desserts and definitely wanted a change. 

** Coming to "Chia seeds", I am using these tiny black seeds available easily in stores now, for the first time. They belong to the plant Salvia Hispanica, which is related to mint. These tiny looking blackish white seeds are believed to be packed with essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium and loaded with fiber. It was suggested to be consumed on regular basis to me by my physiotherapist friend for my back and neck issues. Well, I had bought these a month back, but never got round to preparing anything out of it except adding it on to lime juice. Simple pudding was something I had come across in plenty while I browsed through google and trust me they looks so beautiful that you just want to grab them on. I am sure you are going to see a lot of these posts henceforth as this one tasted simply wonderful and even hubby was astonished that such tiny seeds could be so temptingly delicious. The recipe is simple, however the settling takes time and I prepared it overnight so that it could be consumed at mid morning. I added on rose syrup and topped it with gulkand and almond slivers for addition of more taste. I skipped addition of sugar as the syrup already has enough of it so does gulkand. In all a really tasty pudding for sure, do try it. 

** Wishing all my friends in Mangalore ~ "A Very Happy Rath Sapthami (Kodial Teru)" on all 6 days ... Have a Divine Dharshan and stay Blessed. 

|| Venkatramana Govinda Govinda || 

|| Srimad H.H. Samyamindra Thirtha Swami Guru Maharaj Ki Jai || 

** Here is my simple recipe for "Rose Chia Pudding topped with Gulkand- Almond Slivers" … My Style …. 

** Boil 2 cups of skimmed cow’s milk (you can use any milk) and let it cool. Once it comes to room temperature, and is still slightly warm, add in 2 tblsp of rose syrup/crush, 1 tblsp of gulkand, 4 tblsp of chia seeds and mix well till well blended. Keep it covered aside for 30 minutes and then put it in the fridge overnight or for 6-8 hours. Do whisk a few times in between so that the chia seeds get well mixed and get properly gelled. 

** "Rose Chia Pudding topped with Gulkand- Almond Slivers" is done and ready to be served. Serve it chilled topped with a teaspoon of gulkand (optional) and a tablespoon of almond slivers/ pieces for that crunchy taste. It tastes simply fantastic with that gell textured chia and the awesome rose flavor, you can also try out any other flavor if desired too. In all a very delicious, nutritious and tasty pudding that can be relished in no time, sure to be loved by children. 

** This is a sort of energy drink, so enjoy it mid morning for maximum health benefits, specially so if you are going to have a tough day or into exercising/ fitness routines. The chia seeds keep tummy full and give plenty of nutrients, while the milk will give on addition of protein which makes it an important drink for growing children too. I have used skimmed milk, you can add full fat milk if needed too. Again you can increase or decrease the amount of rose syrup as per your liking. 

** 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.