Sri Vara Lakshmi Vratham Naivedyam Recipes

Vara Lakshmi Vratham is a significant festival celebrated by many in the Telugu-speaking regions of India. It is a day dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. On this auspicious occasion, devotees perform special pujas and prepare various naivedyam (offerings) to please the Goddess. In this article, we present a collection of traditional recipes that are commonly prepared during Vara Lakshmi Vratham. These dishes not only hold religious significance but are also a delight to the taste buds. From sweet delicacies like Poornalu and Ksheerannam to savory items like Garelu and Pulihora, these recipes are a must-try for the festive season.

Poornalu

How to Prepare Poornalu

To make Poornalu, start by soaking chana dal and cooking it until soft. Mash the cooked dal and mix it with jaggery and cardamom powder to form a sweet filling. Shape the filling into small balls. Prepare a batter using rice flour and a pinch of salt. Dip the sweet filling balls into the batter and deep-fry them until golden brown. Serve hot as a delightful sweet treat.

Ksheerannam

Ksheerannam, also known as Paramannam, is a traditional sweet rice pudding made with milk, rice, and jaggery. It is often prepared during festivals and special occasions as an offering to the deities. The creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite among all age groups.

How to Prepare Ksheerannam

To prepare Ksheerannam, wash and soak rice for about 15 minutes. In a heavy-bottomed pan, boil milk and add the soaked rice. Cook on low flame until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture thickens. Stir in jaggery or sugar and cardamom powder, and cook for a few more minutes. Garnish with fried cashews and raisins before serving.

Garelu

Garelu are crispy, deep-fried lentil fritters made from urad dal (black gram). They are a popular snack and are often prepared during festivals and celebrations. Garelu are known for their golden-brown crust and soft interior, making them a delightful treat when served hot.

How to Prepare Garelu

Soak urad dal overnight and grind it into a smooth batter. Add chopped onions, green chilies, curry leaves, and salt to the batter. Shape the batter into doughnut-like rings and deep-fry until they turn golden brown. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

Pulihora

Pulihora, also known as tamarind rice, is a tangy and spicy rice dish seasoned with tamarind pulp, spices, and peanuts. It is a staple during festivals and is offered as naivedyam to deities. The unique sour taste of tamarind combined with the crunchiness of peanuts makes it a favorite among many.

How to Prepare Pulihora

Cook rice and spread it on a plate to cool. In a pan, prepare the tamarind sauce by boiling tamarind pulp with turmeric, salt, and jaggery. In another pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, curry leaves, dried red chilies, and peanuts. Mix the tempering and tamarind sauce into the rice evenly. Adjust the seasoning as per taste.

Daddojanam

Daddojanam, or curd rice, is a simple and comforting dish made by mixing cooked rice with yogurt and tempering it with spices. It is commonly prepared as an offering during festivals and is known for its cooling properties.

How to Prepare Daddojanam

Mix cooked rice with yogurt until well combined. In a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, urad dal, chana dal, curry leaves, and chopped green chilies. Pour the tempering over the rice and mix well. Garnish with grated carrots or pomegranate seeds if desired.

Chakkara Pongali

Chakkara Pongali is a sweet rice dish made with rice, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee. It is a traditional offering to the deities during festivals like Pongal and Vara Lakshmi Vratham. The rich flavor of ghee and jaggery makes it a delectable treat.

How to Prepare Chakkara Pongali

Cook rice and moong dal together until soft. In a separate pan, melt jaggery with a little water to make syrup. Mix the jaggery syrup into the cooked rice and dal mixture. Add generous amounts of ghee, cardamom powder, and garnish with fried cashews and raisins.

Chalimidi Vadapappu

Chalimidi Vadapappu is a combination of soaked moong dal (vadapappu) and sweet rice flour mixture (chalimidi). It is a traditional offering during Sri Rama Navami and Vara Lakshmi Vratham. This simple yet divine preparation holds great significance in festive rituals.

How to Prepare Chalimidi Vadapappu

For Vadapappu, soak moong dal in water for about an hour. For Chalimidi, mix rice flour with jaggery syrup and a hint of cardamom powder to form a soft dough. Offer both as naivedyam to the Goddess.

Celebrating Vara Lakshmi Vratham with these traditional recipes adds a special touch to the festivities. Preparing these dishes is not just about following rituals but also about preserving our rich cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. May Goddess Lakshmi bless you and your family with health, wealth, and prosperity on this auspicious occasion.