Narali Bhat
Narali Bhat !
Traditionally, Narali Bhat is popular in Maharashtra ,Goa, Known as Meethe Chaval in the north & Sweet Pongal in the southern parts of India , made mostly during festivals .
The Full moon falling in July /August is called Narali Poornima . “Poornima “ being a full moon night !
On this auspicious Full Moon day “Narali Poornima” is celebrated with great zest amongst the Fishermen specially as the calming of the sea is done by worshipping the sea god 🙏
Boats are decorated in its best and new clothes are worn!
“Coconut “ the auspicious Fruit is often used in worship .
So fresh coconuts are offered up to the Gods & to the sea “Varun “ the guardian of fisherfolk, and lord Shiva .
Coconut is also incorporated into recipes and narali bhat is made in honour as an important dish on this particular day !
so here’s to this divine -
Sweet Naralli Bhat !
INGREDIENTS:
2 tbsp ghee
3 pods cardamom / elachi
3 cloves / lavang ( optional )
1 inch cinnamon / dalchini
1 cup short grain aromatic rice, soaked 15 minutes
1 cup water
few saffron / kesar
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp cardamom powder
2 tbsp ghee
10-15 almonds
2 tbsp raisins / kishmish
½ cup jaggery or Sugar
1 cup thin coconut milk
1/2 cup coconut cream ( thick extraction of the coconut milk )
INSTRUCTIONS
in a large kadai heat 2 tbsp ghee and saute 3 pods cardamom, 3 cloves, 1 inch cinnamon until it turns aromatic.
add the washed & soaked rice (soaked for 15-20 minutes) and saute for a minute.
add 1 cup thin coconut milk , saffron and salt.
mix well, cover and simmer for 10 minutes or until rice is almost cooked to al dente /80% done
in another pan heat 1 tbsp ghee and roast the chopped almonds , raisins until it turns golden brown.
add to the rice ,
add the crushed & powdered cardamom
add the jaggery / sugar and thick coconut milk to the almost cooked rice
saute on low flame until jaggery / sugar melts and combined well & mixture have turned aromatic.
cover and simmer for 5 mins
Finally top with a garnish of Almond finely sliced , saffron strands and enjoy narali bhat !!