PUDINA KOTHAMBARI CHITRAANNA
A kalanda saadam or chitraanna which is also referred to as 'variety rice', is always included in a festive meal. Tamarind rice, coconut rice, pongal, curd rice, lemon rice and sesame rice are few of the rice varieties offered to the deity during a pooja. Here is a green herbal rice prepared using mint and coriander for the festive occasion.
INGREDIENTS
Mint - 1 bunch
Coriander - 1 bunch
Green chillies - 2
Sesame oil - 4 tbsps
Turmeric powder - 1 pinch
Asafoetida -1 pinch
Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
Black gram dal - 1/2 tsp
Bengal gram dal - 1/2 tsp
Red chillies - 2
Ground nuts - 2 tbsps OR Frozen or cooked green peas - 4 tbsps
Salt - 1 tsp
Lime - 1
Rice - 1 cup ( 125 gms )
METHOD
1. Pressure cook rice with two cups of water and keep aside.
2. Clean the herbs and grind them with green chillies into a smooth paste adding little water if necessary.
3. Heat 2 tbsps of sesame oil in a pan and add the mustard seeds.
4. When the mustard splutters add the black gram dal and the bengal gram dal.
5. When the dal turns golden yellow in colour add the broken red chillies.
6. Add asafoetida followed by ground nuts ( let them crack ), or green peas.
7. Add the ground mint and coriander paste and saute till it gives out a pleasant aroma.
8. When the paste thickens and reaches a chutney like consistency decrease flame.
9. Add salt and mix in the juice of lime and switch off the flame.
10. Spread out the rice in a bowl and break the lumps into separate grains using a spatula.
11. Heat the remaining oil in a seasoning ladle, add turmeric powder and pour it immediately over the rice.
12. Add the prepared mint and coriander paste to the rice and blend well.
Offer the flavoursome Pudina Kothambari Chitraanna to the Goddess before wafting away with its aroma.
