Thiruvathirai Kali – How To Make Thiruvathirai Kali- Special Neivedhyam for Lord Shiva

                                         தென்னாடுடைய சிவனே போற்றி!
                                        எந்நாட்டவர்க்கும் இறைவா போற்றி!
                                        ஓம் நம சிவாய  

Thiruvathirai [Arudra Darisanam] is a Hindu festival celebrated in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which falls in the month of Margazhi [Dec- Jan] on the full moon day. This Pooja is especially dedicated to Lord Shiva and Shivagami. This festival celebrates the cosmic dance form of Lord Shiva [Nataraja] on Thiruvathirai star and is also known as Arudra Darisanam. According to ancient Indian scriptures, Arudra is the largest star, bigger than the Sun. Arudra is synonymous with a ‘Red Flame’, this red flame also denotes the cosmic dance [Thandavam] of Lord Shiva. 

This festival is celebrated in a grand manner in  all the 5 sabhas of Sri Natarajar namely Kananga Sabai[gold] at Chidambaram Natarajar temple, Velli Sabai [Silver]  at Madurai, Rathna Sabai [Ruby] at Thiruvalankadu, Thamira Sabai [Copper] at Tirunelveli, Chitra Sabai [Pictures] at Kutralam. A very special Abishekam and Pooja is performed in Uthirakosa Mangai, where Natarajar is 6 ft tall, made of one single stone of Maragatham[Emerald] and also in all other Shivan Temples.  

In Thillai Chidambaram, a 10 day festival is held during Thiruvathirai. On this day, Lord Natarajar and his consort, Goddess Shivagami [Parvathi] are taken out in a grand procession. It is a very special event in which the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva is enacted. On Thiruvathirai, women will fast during the day time and break the fast after witnessing the moon rise. A special neivedhyam of Thiruvathirai Kali and Thiruvathirai Kootu are prepared and offered to Lord Shiva and Shivagami. Thiruvathirai  kali is a very simple and divine recipe made with broken rice, jaggery, coconut and ghee. Do try out this Thiruvathirai Kali and offer it to Lord Shiva and enjoy. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and tempting Sweets here. Wishing you all a very happy Thiruvathirai.  

திருவாதிரைக்கு ஒரு வாய் களி' என்பார்கள். அன்று ஒரு வாய் களி சாப்பிட்டு மகிழ்வார்கள். சிவபெருமானுக்கு உரிய நட்சத்திரம் திருவாதிரை. இந்த திருவாதிரை நாளன்று ஒரு வாய் களி தின்றால் அதன் பலன் அளவிடற்கரியது என்கிறது புராணம். 

Here’s how to make Thiruvathirai Kali with step by step photos…

Nellikkai Pachadi/Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi/Gooseberry Raita Recipe/Amla Raitha

“Nellikkai” is the Indian gooseberry is called the Power House of Nutrition. Neelikkai in Tamil is called as Amla in Hindi and Gooseberry in English. Nellikkai is a wonderful fruit is extremely good for the hair, immunity and a great remedy for cold, coughs and helps in fighting infections. Nellikkai pachadi is usually made on dhuvadasi which falls after the ekadasi fasting. This is a very easy thayir pachadi that can be made in a jiffy and is a perfect side dish with SundakkaiVatha Kuzhambu or any South Indian Kuzhambu variety and with Poricha Rasam. Do try out this healthy and tempting Nellikkai Pachadi and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Raithas/Pachadis here.

Here’s how to make Nellikkai Pachadi with step by step photos…

Dhuvadasi Rasam/Poricha Rasam/Poricha Rasam Recipe /Poricha Saathamudhu – Rasam Without Tamarind, Tomatoes or lemon/ Special Rasam for Fasting days

In South India we make different types of Rasam, but this is, one special type of rasam prepared without tamarind or tomatoes or lemon. This rasam is called the Dhuvadasi Rasam or Poricha Rasam prepared on Dhuvadasai which falls after Ekadasi thithi. Ekadasi vratham is observing total fast [suddha upavasam] on Ekadasi Thithi. After fasting on Ekadasi day, people have a special food or thali called “Dhuvadasi Paranai” which is devised by our ancestors for breaking the fast and balance the acidity levels. So in this Dhuvadasi special meal, tamarind is totally avoided, since tamarind consumed on an empty stomach can cause ulcers and stomach problems. The freshly prepared masala has grated coconut and added to the rasam which is makes this rasam divine. Generally the Dhuvadasi menu consists of Mor Kuzhambu, Poricha Rasam, Nellikkai Thayir Pachadi, Agathi Keerai Poriyal, Poricha Kootu, Sundakkai Vatral fried in ghee, white rice, ghee, mango pickle, yogurt/thayir. I will be posting more of Dhuvadasi recipes in my future post.Do try out this Poricha Rasam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and lip smacking Rasam Varieties here and other Vegetarian dals/Kootus/Sambar/Kurma varieties here.

Here’s how to make Poricha Rasam with step by step photos…

Double Beans Curry/Double Beans Fry/Lima Beans Fry

Double Beans Curry/Fry is a very flavourful and aromatic side dish with freshly prepared masala. I came across this healthy and tasty side dish in one of the cookery shows and gave it a try. It is one healthy and delectable side dish with perfect blend of spices. Do try out this Double Bean Curry and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and healthy Vegetarian Side dish recipes here.

Here’s how to make Double Beans Curry with step by step photos…

Akkaravadisal/Akkara Adisil/Sweet Pongal Cooked in Milk and Jaggery/Sweet Milk Pongal/Iyengar Special Akkaravadisal –Pongal Special

Akkaravadisal is an authentic neivedhyam offered to Lord Perumal in Sri Rangam temple on Panguni Uthram and also in other Vishnu temples during festivals and special occasions. Akkaravadisal is similar to Sakkarai Pongal except it is fully cooked in Milk along with jaggery and generous amount of ghee which gives a creamy, rich and divine taste to it. Akkaravadisal is prepared on the “Koodaravalli day” which falls on the 27^th day of Margazhi [tamil month] and offered as neivedhyam to Lord Vishnu and distributed to devotees in small dhonnais[leaf cups].

A little about Koodaravalli day - Koodaravalli is celebrated to commemorate the acceptance of Andal by Perumal after her 26 days of penance. Sri Andal sang the Thiruppavai containing 30 verses – one verse for each day of Margazhi [December-January] in praise of Lord Narayana. On the 27^th day, while singing “koodaarai vellum seer Govinda…”, the Lord  fell for her divine love and blessed her with the boon of marriage. This occasion is celebrated in a very special way in Srivalliputhur Andal temple, where Akkaravadisal is made in 108 vessels along with butter and offered to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Andal is very beautifully decorated and kept in the Arthmandapam.  Make this super delicious rich and creamy rice milk pudding cooked with generous amount of ghee and offer it god and enjoy the prasadham with the blessings of Lord Vishnu and Sri Andal.  Meanwhile do check out other interesting Pongal recipes here and All about Pongal here.

Here’s how to make Akkaravadisal with step by step photos…

Kondakadalai Kurma/White Channa Kurma Recipe/White Chickpea Kurma - How to make Kondakadalai Kurma

Kondakadalai Kurma/White Channa Kurma is kurma variety made with Kondakadalai and coconut paste as main ingredients along with other spices. It is one healthy and great alternative when you run out of vegetables in your refrigerator. This kurma can be made with black kondakadalai or white kondakadalai. This kurma is a delectable and protein rich kurma that can be served with white rice or with idlis, dosas, chapattis/rotis etc. Do try out this Kondakadalai kurma and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetarian Gravies/Dhals/Kootu varieties here and KurmaVarieties here.

Here’s how to make Kondakadalai Kurma with step by step photos…

Rava Idli/Sooji Idli/Semolina Idli –How to make Rava Idli /How to make Soft Rava Idli

Rava Idli is a popular breakfast recipe originated from the state of Karnataka. It is soft and fluffy idli made with sooji/rava/semolina, yogurt, eno fruit salt and other spices. Rava idlis are steamed cooked idlis that can be made instantly and involves no grinding. These rava idlis are easy, quick, healthy and filling alternative to the regular idlis or any breakfast items. Do try out this soft and fluffy Rava idlis and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and traditional Breakfast recipes here.

Here’s how to make Rava Idli with step by step photos…

Rice Bonda Recipe/Left Over Rice Bonda Recipe/Cooked Rice Bonda-How to make easy and quick Rice Bonda/Deep Fried Rice Balls

Today, I am going to share a very easy and quick bonda recipe made with leftover cooked rice. This rice bonda is a wonderful evening snack and a easy way to finish off the left over rice.  The best part is, this recipe does not involve any grinding and can be made in a jiffy. Do try out this tempting and crispy Rice Bonda and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Starters/Appetizers/Evening Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Rice Bonda with step by step photos…

Red Rice Dosa/Sivappu Arisi Dosai/Healthy Sivappu Arisi Dosa –Healthy Breakfast Recipe

Red Rice/Sivappu Arisi is a special variety of rice loaded with antioxidants called anthocyanins. This antioxidant gives a beautiful and rich red color to the rice. The anitoxidants in red rice helps in reducing symptoms of inflammation, helps in preventing cancer and weight loss management. This red rice is one healthy alternative to the regular idli rice. Red rice/Sivappu arisi has a nutty flavour and packed with nutrients such as Vitamin B, iron, calcium, zinc etc. This dosa has a beautiful pink color which will surely attract the kids. Do try out this red rice dosa and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Breakfast recipes here and Red Rice Idli here.

Here’s how to make Red Rice Dosa with step by step photos…

Pori Arisi Urundai/Arisi Urundai With Jaggery – Sweet Rice Balls with Jaggery

Pori Arisi Urundai is a Sweet Rice Balls made with either idli rice or parboiled rice/puzhungal arisi and jaggery. This pori arisi urundai is usually made on fasting days especially in the month of Puratasi and offered as neivedhyam for Lord Balaji. This pori arisi urundai is a very healthy recipe, it can also be made as evening snacks for kids. Do try out this healthy and tempting Pori Arisi Urundai and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Ladoos/Urundai and other sweet varieties here.

Here’s how to make Pori Arisi Urundai with step by step photos…

Instant Wheat Flour Appam/Sweet Wheat Appam/Sweet Godhumai Maavu Appam – How to Make Godhumai Maavu Appam with Appam Pan

Wheat Appam is a sweet dish that can be made easily with very little time. This Sweet Appam can be made as neivedhyam for Vinayaka Chathurthi, Krishna Jayanthi, Sathya Naraya Poojai or for any special occasions or just as evening snacks for kids. Do try out this Instant wheat flour appam and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out Instant Sweet Rava Appam I have posted earlier here.

Here’s how to make Instant Wheat Flour Appam with step by step photos…

Ragi Poori/Kezhvaragu Poori /Finger Millet Poori Recipe – How to Make Ragi Poori

Ragi/Kezhvaragu Poori is a great alternative for the regular wheat flour pooris. It is one easy way to include ragi/kezhvaragu in our kids diet. Do try out this tempting and easy to make pooris and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting chapathis/pooris/parathas/naans  and breakfast varieties here.

Here’s how to make Ragi/Kezhvaragu Poori with step by step photos …

Soya Chunks Kurma/Meal Maker Kurma – How to make Meal Maker Kurma

Soya Chunks Kurma is another interesting, creamy and rich kurma. This irresistible kurma is in the series of Soya Chunks recipe which I have been posting for quite some time. When you run out of vegetables, but still want to make something healthy, tasty and rich, then you have landed in the right recipe. Do try out this Soya Chunks Kurma and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and delectable Kurma varieties and Veg Gravies here. Also do check out other Soya Chunks recipes like SoyaChunks 65, Soya Chunks Kola Urundai/Balls, Soya Chunks Stir Fry, Soya ChunksVegetable Curry, Soya Chunks Biryani. For now, let’s move on to the recipe.

Here’s how to make Soya Chunks Kurma with step by step photos…

Pallipalayam Chicken Fry/Kongu Special Pallipalayam Chicken Fry Recipe – How to make Pallipalayam Chicken Fry

Pallipalayam is a small town near Erode. This Pallipalayam Chicken Fry is a very famous and popular recipe that can be seen in all the restaurant menus in and around Erode. This chicken fry is a very easy made with very less number of ingredients and involves no grinding. Do try out this tempting, spicy and super delicious Pallipalayam Chicken Fry and post your comments. Meanwhile do check out more interesting and delicious Non-VegGravies/Biryanis/Fries here.

Here’s how to make Pallipalayam Chicken Fry with step by step photos…

Kal Dosa/Kal Dosai – How to make Kal Dosai

Kal Dosai is yet another delectable variety of dosa in the South Indian Cuisine. Unlike the plain dosa or uthappam this dosa is made with parboiled rice and urad dal, which yields a very soft and spongy dosa.  As the Kal dosa are soft  and spongy they are perfect for travel, you can just sprinkle some idli milagai podi and carry it along with you. Kal dosa has to cooked only on one side with the lid covered and should not be flipped. Do try out this delectable Kal dosa and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Dosa Varieties & Breakfast recipes here.

Here’s how to make Kal Dosai with step by step photos…

VazhaipooPoriyal/Banana Flower Poriyal- How to make Vazhaipoo Poriyal

Vazhaipoo/Banana Flower is one of the healthiest vegetable/flower with amazing health benefits consumed widely in Asian cuisine. It is a great source of fibre, Vitamins and minerals. When consumed regularly, it helps in reducing menstrual bleeding, manages diabetes and anaemia, helps the nursing mothers, boosts mood and reduces anxiety. Though cleaning of vazhaipoo is a tedious process, we should try to incorporate in our diet as much as possible. Do try out this simple and comforting vazhaipoo/banana flower poriyal and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Vegetarian Poriyal Varieties here, also check out Vazhaipoo Kootu and VazhaipooKola Urundai here.

Here's how to make Vazhaipoo Poriyal with step by step photos...

Mushroom Kurma Recipe/Kalaan Kurma Recipe/How to make Mushroom Kurma with step by step photos

Mushroom kurma another easy, rich and creamy kurma , one pot kurma that can be made easily. Mushrooms are very healthy and including it in our diet is important because they contain more than 80% of water and is rich in vitamins and minerals. I have posted earlier some interesting and delightful ways to include mushroom in our diet like MushroomBiryani, Mushroom Soup, Mushroom Do Piaza, Mushroom Pepper Fry, Mushroom 65. Do try out this mushroom kurma and post your comments here. Meanwhile do check out other vegetarian gravies here.

Other Kurma Varieties that might be of interest…

Pakoda Kurma /Pakora kurma

White Vegetable Kurma – Restaurant Style

Tomato Kurma/Thakkali Kurma

Mixed Vegetable Kurma

Simple Egg Kurma/Udaithu Utriya Muttai Kurma/EggDrop Kurma

Simple & Easy Chicken Kurma

Here's how to make Mushroom Kurma with step by step photos...

Varuthu Araitha Kari Kuzhambu/Mutton Gravy with Fresh Ground Masala Recipe/Mutton Kuzhambu Recipe –Sunday special Mutton Gravy/Kari Kuzhambu with step by step photos

Varuthu Araitha Kari Kuzhambu/Mutton Gravy with fresh ground masala  is a very tasty and totally irresistible gravy which can served with steam cooked white rice or with idlis or dosas for breakfast. "Varuthu Araitha kari kuzhambu" in tamil means roasting and grinding the masalas and then making the mutton gravy with that masala. Do try out this delectable mutton gravy and post your comments here. Also check out other interesting and mouthwatering Chicken Varuvals/Fry/Biryanis/Gravies etc here, Mutton/goat Meat Recipes,Fish & Egg Recipes

Here’s how to make mutton kuzhambu with step by step photos…

Black Urad Dal Ladoo/Karuppu Ullundhu Urundai/Karuppu Ullundhu Ladoo/கருப்பு உளுந்து உருண்டை –Black Urad Dal Urundai with Jaggery with Video in English & Tamil

Black Urad Dal Ladoo/Karuppu Ullundhu Urundai is a very tasty and healthy snack that can be made in no time with very less ingredients. My grandma used to make it for me and my sister when we were small and now I am making it for my girls. If you have girl child or women at home this is one recipe that you must know to keep them hale and healthy. You must ask me why? Here it is, Black urad dal is one of the richest sources of proteins and Vitamin B which is essential for women. It is loaded with iron, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and potassium which make this black urad dal a perfect health package for pregnant women.

 Another major ingredient in this urundai is jaggery. Jaggery we all know has numerous health benefits, its packed with iron and folate and prevents anaemia and boosts the hemoglobin level, helps in joint pain, is a wonderful blood purifier, controls blood pressure, prevents respiratory problems and is a wonderful alternative to white sugar. 

The third important ingredient is ghee. We all know ghee has incredible health benefits and is one of the treasured food in ayurveda. Ghee plays a vital role in balancing hormones and maintains a healthy cholesterol level. It is loaded with plenty of omega 3 fatty acids along with Vitamin A. Ghee is a good source of energy and one important thing to keep in mind is, it is a source of good fat, great for your heart and skin. Meanwhile do check out other interesting Ladoo Varieties here & other Diwali Sweets & Snacks here.

Here’s how to make Black Urad Dal Ladoo/Karuppu ullundhu Urundai with step by step photos…

Dosa Batter/How to Make Dosa Batter/How to make Dosai Maavu

Today, I am going to share a very basic dosa batter. To make this batter you don’t need a grinder, you can just grind it in mixer and still make perfect and tasty dosas. The key to make perfect dosa batter, is you need to choose good quality idli rice and raw rice. Urad dal also should be of good quality for perfect idlis and dosas. Add aval/poha when making the batter makes it easier to spread and make the dosa. Adding fenugreeks/vendhayam acts as natural coolant and makes a soft batter. Do try out this easy to make Dosa batter and post your comments here. This dosa can be served with thengai chutney or any chutney of your choice, sambar  or idli milagi podi etc. Meanwhile do check out other interesting and traditional Breakfast recipes here.

Here’s how to make Dosa Batter and Dosas with step by step photos…