Meena's Taste Mantra

Thiruvathirai Thalagam | 7 Kari Kootu | 7 Vegetables Gravy

Thiruvathira also known as Ardhra Darshanam falls on the Pournima | Full Moon day in the Margzhai Month normally in December - January. On this day we pay reverence to Lord Shiva and do puja. For the puja Thiruvathirai Thalagam is prepared as a Neivedhyam | Offering.

This veg gravy is very delicious and comprises seven vegetables which are all Winter Season Specials as these are available their freshest then! Hence this is also known as 7 Kari Kootu.

Thiruvathirai Thalagam | 7 Kari Kootu | 7 Vegetables Gravy

Ingredients:

50 gms Avvarakkai | Papdi |Broad Beans, cut into 1" length

50 gms Fresh Peas
1 Raw Banana, peeled, halved and cut into 1/2" slice
1 Carrot, peeled, halved and cut into 1/2" slice

Half Lemon size Imli | Tamarind extract
1 tsp Haldi | Turmeric Powder
1 Pea size Compounded Hing | Asafoetida
To taste Salt
2 tblsp Rice, Raw

For Masala:

For tempering:

1 tsp Oil

1 tsp Rai | Mustard Seeds

1/2 tsp Urad dal

Method:

Wash and cut the vegetables as per the size mentioned above in the ingredients.
Add the cut vegetables, imli extract, haldi, compounded hing and salt in a pressure cooker. Add water such that the water has fully covered all the vegetables.
Pressure cook the vegetables for ONLY 2 whistles.
In a frying pan dry roast the raw rice till it becomes a fragrant brown colour. Ensure it is not burnt. Transfer to a plate and when cool grind to make a coarse powder. The texture should be like that of Rava | Semolina.
In the same frying pan heat oil and add all the ingredients mentioned for masala. Saute by stirring continuously ensuring none of the elements get burnt. As this is being sauteed, a nice aroma will arise and that is when the channa dal also would change to a nice golden colour. Transfer this to a plate and let it cool.
Once cool, grind the masala to a smooth paste by adding very little water and keep aside.
Once the pressure is released from the pressure cooker, open the lid.
Add the ground masala paste and mix well. Adjust the consistency to get a semi-solid gravy.
Once this comes to a boil, add the roasted rice powder and mix well for 1 minute.
Switch off the gas and transfer to a serving bowl.
Prepare the tempering in the same frying pan. Heat the oil and add rai, urad dal, curry leaves and red chilli. When the rai splutters, pour the tempering on the Thiruvathirai Thalagam.
Serve hot with Steamed Rice | Roti.

Thiruvathirai Thalagam is a nutritious veg gravy that is made with the season's best produce On Thiruvathirai day, this Thalagam is served along with Kali! It tastes very delectable when relished along with Thiruvathirai Kali.

We have used:

1. Tamil Ponny Rice

2. LG Compounded Hing

3. Tata Salt Lite

4. Sundrop Heart Oil

About C R Meena

(c) 2014 - 2016, Meena's Taste Mantra is the result of my ardent desire to share my recipes, with all who appreciate and celebrate food. These recipes are as a result of 60 years of cooking experience, influenced by tradition and exposure to various concepts, new recipes/ingredients and a passion for cooking - adapting to healthier alternatives.