Chithrannam:
Chithra pournami falls in the month of may-Jun, we celebrate this as an auspicious day.
The full moon in Chitra: A full moon is considered auspicious in many religions because of its effects on the attitude of people. The full moon is said to promote creativity and positive sentiments. Sentiments are said to ride on higher waves of consciousness leading to an abundance of positive energy and higher consciousness.
Neivedhyam – ‘Cithrannam’, Lemon rice, Curd rice, Mango rice,Chakkara pongal and Coconut rice are prepared on this day with tender coconut juice, buttermilk and panakkam as prasadam for god.
Lemon rice-Ingredients:
Basmati or long grain raw rice-1 cup
Lemon-1 medium size
Salt 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
Cashew broken-5 nos
Channa dal-1 tsp
Urad dal-1 tsp
Groundnut-2 tsp
green chilli-3 nos chopped
Curry leaves-2 twig
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Oil-1 tbsp
1. Wash and soak rice for 10 minutes, cook with 2 cups of water. spread cooked rice in a wide bowl to normal temperature.
2. Heat pan with oil add mustard seeds, urad dal, groundnut, channa dal and broken cashew fry till golden yellow.
3. Add chopped green chillies and curry leaves stir for a while, add turmeric powder and salt, squeeze lemon (remove seeds) and switch off the stove.
4. Add cooked rice into the seasoned ingredients gradually mix well.
Mango rice – Ingredients to grind:
Mango (raw) -1 medium size grated or sliced to grind
Salt 1 teaspoon
Red chilli-3 nos
Pepper-1/2 tsp
Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
Sugar-1/2 tsp to balance the sourness (optional)
Grind above ingredients to a coarse paste, keep it ready to mix with rice.
Ingredients to prepare rice:
Basmati or long grain raw rice-1 cup
Oil-1 tbsp
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Urad dal-1 tsp
Curry leaves-2 twig
Method:
1. Wash and soak rice for 10 minutes, cook with 2 cups of water. spread cooked rice in a wide bowl to normal temperature.
2. Heat pan with oil add mustard seeds, urad dal, fry till golden yellow.
3. Add coarse ground mango paste, stir well saute until you get nice aroma approximately-2 to 3 minutes.
4. Add cooked rice and mix gently.
Coconut rice-Ingredients:
Grated coconut-1 cup
Rice-1 cup
To season:
Red chilli-2 nos
Urad dal-1 tsp
Cashews broken-4 to 5 nos
Mustard seeds-1 tsp
Oil-1 tbsp
Curry leaves-2 twig
Method to prepare :
1. Wash and soak rice for 10 minutes cook with 2 cups of water. Spread cooked rice in a wide bowl to normal temperature. To enhance the richness of coconut flavour, you can boil rice in coconut milk.
2. Heat pan with oil season with mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, red chilli and cashew nuts fry till golden brown.
3. Add curry leaves and grated coconut fry for a minute.
4. Add cooked rice in it, sprinkle salt and mix gently,
Curd rice:
Tamarind rice mix:
Chakkara Pongal:
