Thiruvathirai Kali

                                       

In Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the full moon day in December-January is celebrated as Thiruvathirai in honor of Lord Shiva. In my family it is a tradition to make a sweet dish with powdered rice and brown sugar(zaggery). It is usually accompanied with a stew(kootu) made with seasonal vegetables, at least 15.  My mom made the best kali and kootu. I made the kali last week. It came out so good that my kids wanted it for dessert the next day.

Ingredients:

1 Cup rice
1/4 Cup mung dal
1 Tablespoon channa dal
1 1/2 Cup  jaggery
1/2  Cup coconut
3 Cup water
2 Tablespoons ghee
1 Tablespoon cashew nuts, roasted in ghee
1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Method:

1. Soak the rice in water for 15 minutes. Drain and spread on a towel to dry for 20 minutes.
2. Dry roast rice, mung dal and channa dal separately. Powder them separately.
3. Boil the water in a broad pan. Add jaggery. Allow it to dissolve and add coconut. when the water boils well, add the powdered rice and dal. Mix well. Cover and reduce the heat. Cook for 10 minutes. Add ghee and mix. Sprinkle water if necessary.
4. Remove from heat once the kali is cooked. Garnish with cashew and cardamom. serve warm with  Thiruvathiai 7 vegetable kootu(stew) or have it for dessert.