DISH NAME : THIRUVATHIRA PUZHUKKU (MIXED TUBER CURRY)

Preparation Time : 20 minutes

Cooking Time : soaking time+ 45 minutes

Description

Thiruvathira is celebrated in memory of God Siva's and godess Parvathy's union.Thiruvathira is celebrated on the astrological star ‘Thiruvathira’ and it falls on a full moon day in the Malayalam month of ‘Dhanu’. On Thiruvathira day women wake up by 4am , take bath and visit nearest Shiva temple. On this day wives fast for the long life of husbands, and happy married life. Unmarried girls fast on Thiruvathira to get a good husband. On Thiruvaathira, the women folk abstain from taking rice or rice products. Lunch consists of arrow-root powder porridge or fruits . At night, women eat eight different tubers roasted in the fire, which is known as'Ettangadi' .

Note

1) Different tubers like,elephant yam, small yam, colocasia, tapioca/yuca, chinese potato, different types/ colors of yam are used. I didn't get all 8 tubers, used whatever i got.
2) All the tubers used to make this dish is available during this month in Kerala.
3) The raw banana used here is thickish Kerala banana, usually found only in this state. they are used both in raw and ripe form. also used to make chips/wafers.
4) This dish is considered very nutritious.

Method

1) Soak cowpea for atleast 4 to 5 hours. If not soaked you may have to cook for longer by adding more water. Then cook soaked cowpea till just cooked. If using a pressure cooker, cookf for about 3 whistles and check.
2) Cut all vegetables into large cubes.
3) Add vegetables to cooked cow pea, with enough water,turmeric, salt and chilli powder.
Let vegetables and cowpea cook well till mushy.
4) Grind coarsely all ingredients given under to grind.
5) Add this to cooked vegetable mixture. Let it come to a boil. Then put off fire.
6) Lastly add coconut milk and stir and keep covered.

Serving Suggestions

Serve as a complete meal.