While we talk about power packed protein meals comprising of lentils and sprouts today and try and incorporate them in our diets, the many varieties of dhals and paruppus have always prominently featured not just in our Indian menus but also celebrated during our festivals.
While we talk about power packed protein meals comprising of lentils and sprouts today and try and incorporate them in our diets, the many varieties of dhals and paruppus have always prominently featured not just in our Indian menus but also celebrated during our festivals.
The Navaratri festival brings a great deal of cheer in many ways for people of all ages and communities. Music festivals are organised with much pomp and joy and there is much to choose from by way of music and dance for the connoisseur of arts. Something that is dear to my family is the chance to go “kollu visiting”. When we were kids, dressed in our best pattu pavadais with braided hair adorned with malligai poo, the elders would request us to sing, when seated before the colourful display of dolls.As we got older and shyness set in, the singing took a back seat to the tasting.
The women folk get together to joyfully whip up traditional prasadam featuring grains and lentils. Since the nine days of festivity signify the celebration of that which is ‘Shakti’ ,the ladies of the house indulge in the ceremonies happily. Among the many dishes of sweet and spicy flavoured rice, the simple sundal does indeed take prominence.
It is said that 9 different varieties of sundal are made each day not just as an offering but also to give sustenance to those who are involved in the puja rituals from sun up to sun down.Inviting friends and family over to share in the blessings and the neivedyam adds to the joy of the festival.
Everyone who has lived for a considerable time in Coimbatore will be partial to one sundal more than the other. I have two favourites! The verkadalai sundal (peanut)and the paacha payiru sundal (green gram). It’s quite amazing how a simple recipe that involves a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves and chillies can taste so good. Each sundal tastes unique because of the difference in texture and natural flavour. No onions are added and this allows the clean flavours like lemon, coconut, ginger etc to shine through. It’s light on the stomach and allows for an even distribution of energy levels.
A bowl of sundal eaten warm with just the right amount of seasoning tastes divine. The lentil options to make a tasty sundal are many; konda kadalai, kollu, kadalai paruppu, thatta payuru, channa etc; the colours and nutrient profile with regard to minerals and antioxidants also vary thereby giving a well rounded balance of wellness to the body for the entire period of Navaratri.
As we go about enjoying kollu visits, do take time out to look at the display carefully put together by your hosts. Many a time they tell a story of not just ancient mythology but also of the different professions and communities that make up the length and breadth of our country. From small grassy patches with farmers ploughing away, to children playing cricket on an open field, the last steps of the bommai kolu display featuring the common man are laden with minute details. The intricately designed faces of the divine idols are the results of work done painstakingly by the kolu craftspersons.
After receiving the tamboolams to return home having spent quality time with loved ones is what makes us eagerly look forward to these nine days of culture and bonding.
The Navaratri festival brings a great deal of cheer in many ways for people of all ages and communities. Music festivals are organised with much pomp and joy and there is much to choose from by way of music and dance for the connoisseur of arts. Something that is dear to my family is the chance to go “kollu visiting”. When we were kids, dressed in our best pattu pavadais with braided hair adorned with malligai poo, the elders would request us to sing, when seated before the colourful display of dolls.As we got older and shyness set in, the singing took a back seat to the tasting.
The women folk get together to joyfully whip up traditional prasadam featuring grains and lentils. Since the nine days of festivity signify the celebration of that which is ‘Shakti’ ,the ladies of the house indulge in the ceremonies happily. Among the many dishes of sweet and spicy flavoured rice, the simple sundal does indeed take prominence.
It is said that 9 different varieties of sundal are made each day not just as an offering but also to give sustenance to those who are involved in the puja rituals from sun up to sun down.Inviting friends and family over to share in the blessings and the neivedyam adds to the joy of the festival.
Everyone who has lived for a considerable time in Coimbatore will be partial to one sundal more than the other. I have two favourites! The verkadalai sundal (peanut)and the paacha payiru sundal (green gram). It’s quite amazing how a simple recipe that involves a tempering of mustard seeds, curry leaves and chillies can taste so good. Each sundal tastes unique because of the difference in texture and natural flavour. No onions are added and this allows the clean flavours like lemon, coconut, ginger etc to shine through. It’s light on the stomach and allows for an even distribution of energy levels.
A bowl of sundal eaten warm with just the right amount of seasoning tastes divine. The lentil options to make a tasty sundal are many; konda kadalai, kollu, kadalai paruppu, thatta payuru, channa etc; the colours and nutrient profile with regard to minerals and antioxidants also vary thereby giving a well rounded balance of wellness to the body for the entire period of Navaratri.
As we go about enjoying kollu visits, do take time out to look at the display carefully put together by your hosts. Many a time they tell a story of not just ancient mythology but also of the different professions and communities that make up the length and breadth of our country. From small grassy patches with farmers ploughing away, to children playing cricket on an open field, the last steps of the bommai kolu display featuring the common man are laden with minute details. The intricately designed faces of the divine idols are the results of work done painstakingly by the kolu craftspersons.
After receiving the tamboolams to return home having spent quality time with loved ones is what makes us eagerly look forward to these nine days of culture and bonding.