The Tamil month Purattasi is considered very special for Lord Narayanan. People offer Maa vilakku, Ellodharai, Pongal, Vadai, Curd Rice, Payasam etc. to Lord Venkateswara of Thirumala Tiruppathi. I have already shared a simple ellodharai/Sesame rice recipe. This recipe, a slight variation from the usual ellodharai, is unique as this is a Kovil Prasadam recipe which I learnt from a Battar of Perumal Kovil. The blend of coconut, pepper and sesame seeds gives the dish an excellent taste and aroma. Try this recipe for the coming Saturday and offer to Perumal.
Ingredients:
- 2.5 Cups Cooked and Cooled Kodo millet
- 3 Tbsp White or Black Sesame Seeds
- 1/4 Cup Grated Coconut
- 2 Red Chillies
- 1 Tsp Urad Dal
- 10 Black Pepper Corns
- 3/4 Tsp Salt
- 1 Tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 Tbsp Oil
- 2 Tbsp Peanuts
- 1 Tsp Urad Dal
- 1/2 Tsp Mustard Seeds
- 1/4 Tsp Asafoetida Powder
- 1 Red Chilli (broken into two)
- 1 Spring Curry Leaves
Directions:
- Heat a small pan and dry roast sesame seeds till they crackle. Remove. Add coconut and dry roast till it turns light brown in colour. Remove. Now add half a tsp of oil and roast urad dal, pepper and red chillies. Now grind every thing to a coarse powder.
- In the same pan do the seasoning. Take the millet in a wide bowl. Add the spice powder, seasoning and salt. Mix well. Finally add a tsp of sesame oil and mix everything well.
Note:
- Roasted cashews can be added to the rice.
- Can add a tbsp of more sesame oil for a rich taste.
- Other millets like Little, Barnyard, Proso or Foxtail can be used for this recipe.