Thiruvadhirai Kali (திருவாதிரை களி)

During the winter month of Margazhi (மார்கழி), on the day of thiruvadhirai star (திருவாதிரை நட்சத்திரம்), the celestial dance of Lord Nataraja (நடராஜப் பெருமான்) is celebrated in Shiva temples across Tamil Nadu. On this day devotees fast and a special preparation called "kali" (களி) is offered to the lord. Today, let me share with you the traditional recipe of "Thiruvadhirai Kali" (திருவாதிரை களி).

Ingredients:

Raw rice - 1 cup or 200 ml measure

Green gram dhal or moong dhal - 1 tablespoon

Bengal gram dhal or channa dhal - 1 tablespoon*

Jaggery - 2 cups or 400 ml measure

Cardamom - 5-6 no, powdered

Coconut - grated, 2 tablespoons

Ghee - 3 tablespoons

Cashew nuts - 12 no, broken

* In some parts of Tamil Nadu, channa dhal is used. You may omit it, if desired.

Method:

• Roast raw rice and dhal/s in a kadai on medium flame till the items start to turn light brown in color. Transfer to a bowl immediately. Once the roasted items cooled down to room temperature, grind in a mixed-grinder to rava consistency. Keep aside.
• Mix jaggery and 5 cups of water in a kadai. Bring it to boil. Add in 1 tablespoon of ghee and coconut gratings. Mix well. Reduce the flame. Now add the ground rice-dhal mixture slowly while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Add in cardamom powder and 1 tablespoon of ghee. Continue to cook till the mixture thickens.
• Transfer the mixture to a vessel, cover it with a lid and pressure cook for 4 minutes or 4 whistles.
• Once the pressure subsides, remove from the cooker and allow it to cool.
• Heat the remaining ghee in a tadka pan, add in cashew nuts and fry till they turn golden brown in color.
• Add the tadka to kali and mix well. Thiruvadhirai kali is ready!

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