Rice pudding with Jaggery

Feature on Vinayaka chavithi - Ganesh Festival Special

Vinayaka chavithi is celebrated on the 4th day of bright half of Bhadrapada masam by hindu calendar. People celebrate on this day the birthday of the elephant faced God - Lord Sri Vinayaka or Vighneswara (protector from obstacles) revered by many more names as Ganesha or Ganadhipathi. With all due devotion to the Lord, today’s neivedyam is in his holy name.

Shuklaambara Dharam Vishnum

Shashi Varnam Chatur Bhujam

Prasanna Vadanam Dhyaayet

Sarva Vighna Upashaanthaye

Meaning: We worship Lord Ganesha who is adorned in white (for purity), is all pervading, with magnificent dark complexion glowing with spiritual splendor, with bright countenance and is four armed, who obliterates all our obstacles.

Bellam paravannam/ Rice pudding with Jaggery

Ingredients:
1 cup rice
5 cups milk
1 cup jaggery
¼ cup cashew nuts
¼ cup almonds
¼ cup raisins
1 tsp cardamom powder
3 tsp ghee

Method:
Heat ghee in a kadai and fry the cashews, almonds and raisins and keep aside. Wash the rice, drain off excess water and keep aside. In a big bowl or pressure cooker boil the milk. When it starts to boil stir in the washed rice mix well and Cook with the lid closed. Once the rice is soft and cooked (or after 3 whistles if cooking in a pressure cooker) turn off flame. Once the pressure is all released open the cooker stir in the jaggery & cardamom powder and cook until well blended and the pudding turns golden brown. Garnish with the roasted nuts and raisins and serve.