Paruppu Kanji (Sweet Mung Dal Porridge)
Paruppu Kanji is the leaner, no-nonsense cousin of Paruppu Pradhaman although it shares some of the ingredients of the rich pudding. It is a traditional offering for Sivarathri festival which falls in the winter months. After fasting the whole day, family members, friends, and neighbors gather together to give each other support to stay up the entire night praying, singing, and chanting melodious songs and bhajans in praise of Lord Siva. The Paruppu Kanji along with idlis or the sweet crepe-like Vella Dosai provides the staying power of protein as well as a bit of sugar for energy for keeping up the spirited chanting of bhajans. This year Sivarathri falls on February 20th. Happy Sivarathri everyone! Ingredients: 1/2 cup split, skinless (yellow) Mung Dal 1 cup fresh Coconut, finely ground or 1 cup coconut milk 1/2 cup Brown Sugar/Jaggery 1 Tbsp freshly ground dried Ginger (chukku) 1-2 pods Cardamom (optional) Optional Topping: 1 tsp Ghee 2 Tbsp small Cashew pieces 2 Tbsp raisins ...