Hanuman Jayanthi Wishes

Divya's Cooking Journey wishes you all with a Very Happy Hanuman Jayanthi.

Hanuman Jayanthi

Hanumath  Jayanthi is a great day to celebrate  the birthday of Lord Hanuman and get his blessings.Hindu deity of Power and Energy.Lord Hanuman is also worshipped as Anjaneya  Swamy,Hanumanthudu,Maruti and Sri Rama dootha.

It is the day to be believed that Hanuman's Jananam taken place.Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the  birth of Hanuman,the Vanara god,widely venerated throughout India especially in North India.It is celebrated on 15th day of the Shukla Paksha,during the month of Chaitra (the Chaitra Pournimaa).

When is Sri Hanuman Jayanti Observed?

According to North Indian traditiuons,Sri Hanumath Jayanti is celebrated on the Full Moon day or Pournami in the Hindu Lunar month,Chaitra Masam.But some Hindu religious calendars (Panchangas) describe that Lord Hanumath Jayanti is on the Fourteenth day (Chaturdasi) of the Hindu Lunar Month,Ashwin (Aswayuja masam).

Hanuman Jayanthi 2011 date is april 18 (Chaitra Purnima).

In South India,devotees celebrate Lord Sri Hanuman Jayanthi in Vaishaka Masam.They beleive that Lord Hanuman was born on Vasishaka Bahula Dashami.

South Indians Celebrate Lord Hanuman Jayanti 2011 on May 27.

Hanuman is considered to be an avatar (incarnation) of Lord Shiva. Shri Hanuman, a great disciple of Sri Rama, is the symbol of devotion and dedication. Lord Hanumana is a provider of courage, hope, knowledge, intellect and devotion. Hanuman is in the form of Vaanar (monkey). He is usually pictured as a strong monkey holding a gada (mace) which is a sign of bravery and having a picture of Lord Rama on his chest which is a sign of his devotion to Lord Rama. 

Birth of Hanuman

Hanuman was born in the Treta Yuga, to Anjana, a female vanara and Kesari, a strong vanara .That is why he is known as "Kesari Nandan".This birth was planned by the Supreme lord with a perfect idea in the mind. The combination of Vanara and the celestial gave Hanuman strength, divinity and quick wits - his main characteristics. Being Anjana's son, Hanuman is also called Anjaneya, which plainly means "arising from Anjana". 

Hanuman- The Brahmachaari

Hanuman remained a Brahmachaari throughout his life, an unmarried, celibate god. He is especially popular with body-builders, who believe that like him, one need to be celibate in order to have a strong body. Hanuman always treated women in the form of Mother and Sister. There are many incidences in the great epic Ramayana where this fact is proved. 

Lord Hanuman - A Great Disciple

Hanuman has intense love for his Lord Rama which can be considered from this instance. Once Hanuman was asked by Sri Rama, "How do you consider me?". Hanuman said: "Oh Lord, while I identify myself with my body, I am Thy servant. When I consider myself an individual soul, I am Thy part. But when I look upon myself as the spirit, I am one with Thee. This is my firm conviction." 

Hanuman is also known as the Monkey God, who represents strength, valor, wisdom, intellect and sincere devotion. Hanuman is a powerful God who observed celibacy throughout his life.

Lord Anjaneya Swamy - The God of Energy and Determination:

Lord Hanuman is considered as the deity of tremendous power and energy.He crossed the sea and proved the energy of his devotion to his god,Lord Sri Ram to the world .He visited Lanka and made his intention clear by setting fire to whole Lanka.

Lord Hanuman is known for his great determination,as he led the army of Lord Sri Ram to success with utmost dedication.Maruti is the omnipotent God.

When demon Meghnath (Indrajeeth),Ravanasuras son aimed 'Brahmasthra ' (a divine weapon) on Hanuman,he protected himself with chanting "Ram Naam".It shows his utmost devotion.

Lord Maruti - The Symbol of Celebity:

Lord Maruti (Hanuman) is called as Aajanma Brahmachari (eternal celebate).Some religious texts describe that he has a wife called "Suvarchal".But every one remembers him as eternal Celebity.

Legends Of Hanuman

Hanuman ji is considered as the incarnation of Lord Shiva. Shri Hanuman is one of the popular gods of the Hindu religion and is worshipped all over the world. Life of Hanuman is a legend in itself, for his immeasurable love towards his Prabhu Ram. Here, are some stories of Sri Hanuman's life that shows his supreme devotion for Lord Rama.

Hanuman - A Great Disciple of Rama

Hanuman is a supreme devotee of Sri Rama. Many incidents of Hanuman's life acclaim this love. This is one interesting story which confirms the deep love of Hanuman for Lord Rama. Once when Sita ji (Consort of Lord Rama) was applying sindoora (vermillion) to her hair, Hanuman asked her the reason for doing so. She replied that by applying sindoora, she ensured a long life for her husband. The more sindoora she applied, the longer Rama's life would be. The devoted Hanuman then smeared his entire body with sindoora, in an effort to ensure Rama's immortality. 

Hanuman and His Love for Eating

Here is one more interesting story of Hanuman depicting the regard and dedication towards the Lord Rama. Once Sita ji invited Hanuman for a lunch and especially which was cooked by her. Sita ji made many delicacies for the lunch, which was to be attended by Hanuman. Hanuman ji came and started eating the food served to him. He ate the whole food which was made in the kitchen .Sita ji quickly made more delicacies in order to satisfy the hunger of Hanuman. Hanuman ate that too and asked for more. Again, Sita ji cooked some more food and again it got finished in seconds. 

The condition was that nothing was left in the kitchen to cook. Sita ji got tensed and thought to ask lord Rama about the situation. She conveyed the whole scene to Rama. Rama asked Sita ji to give a Tulsi-dal (a leaf of Tulsi) to Hanuman and her problem would be solved. Sita ji did the same and Hanuman's appetite got satisfied. This shows that the words of Lord Rama are inevitable for Hanuman.

Worship of Hanuman

Hanuman is worshipped for his strength, agility and valor. The worship of Hanuman, symbolizes the worship of the Supreme Lord, for acquiring knowledge, physical and mental strength, truthfulness, sincerity, self-sacrifice, modesty, loyalty, and profound devotion to the Lord. Sri Hanuman was blessed by Sri Rama with immortality (chiranjeevi). Every temple of Sri Rama contains an idol of Hanuman. Worship of Hanuman is considered mandatory to complete the worship of Lord Rama. 

Yatra yatra raghunatha kirtanam;

Tatra tatra kritha masthakanjalim;

Bhaspavaari paripurna lochanam;

Maarutim namata raakshasanthakam

On this holy day worship Sri Hanuman. Fast on this day. Read the Hanuman Chalisa. Spend the whole day in the Japa of Ram-Nam. Sri Hanuman will be highly pleased and will bless you with success in all your undertakings.

Laali Siva Kaameswari Song

This is a beautiful Lullaby song for the Goddess Sri Lalitha Devi.I like this song very much & got this song from one of my Friend Sridevi.She sang this song in my home during the Navaratri Festival 2010,  after reading Lalitha Sahasranamam ;at the end of Pooja.All of my friends who came to read the Lalitha Sahasranamam  liked this song very much.From that time onwards ,I was trying to practise and to post it in the blog.Last friday,she sang and I recorded the way to sing and here goes the song  and its tune.I Thank You so much Sridevi for singing the song and letting others to know through my blog.

So friends,Now you can all  listen this,practise and can sing for the Goddess at any time of the Pooja .

Bengal Gram Seasoning

I came to know this recipe from my home town Vijayawada.This item was specially distributed as a Prasadam  during the Vinayaka Chavithi Festival at Marwadi Gudi Street to the devotees who comes to visit the Lord Ganesha.

Not only for the Ganesh Chaturthi,Many people used to offer this item for the Shiridi Sai Baba too.

So here goes the recipe.

Ingredients:

• Chanadal/Pachi Senagapappu-1cup
• Water-as required
• Salt -to taste
• Green chillies-2no chopped
• Fresh Grated coconut-2tbsp
• Kothimeer - 1tbsp chopped
• Lime Juice-1tbsp (optional)

Seasoning:

• Oil-1tbsp
• Mustard seeds-1/2tsp
• Cumin seeds-1/2tsp
• Red chillies-2 no broken
• Hing-optional
• Curry leaves-few

Method:

• Wash the Bengal gram with water.
• Soak it in the water for 15 minutes.
• Pressure cook with sufficient water by adding the salt for 1 or two whistles and keep it aside.
• Do not over cook it.It may becomes like a paste.
• Meanwhile,take a pan and heat it,add the oil for seasoning.
• Add the Mustard seeds,Cumin seeds,and when they splutters add the  red chilies and curryleaves.
• Finally add the Hing and put the gas in very low flame.
• Now add the cooked Bengal gram and mix well.
• Add the grated coconut and kothimeer leaves.
• Sprinkle Lemon Juice and serve it.

Beetroot Curry

Ingredients:

• Beetroot-2no small
• Salt-to taste
• Green Chillies-4 no
• Ginger-1/2 "
• Fresh Coconut Pieces-1/4 cup

Seasoning:

• Oil-1tbsp
• Mustard seeds-1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
• Curry leaves-few
• Red chillies-1 no

Method:

• Wash the Beet roots & peel off the skin.
• Chop it in to small bite size pieces.
• Take a mixy jar,add coconut pieces,green chillies & salt;ground it to a mixture and keep it aside.
• Take a pressure cooker,add the oil & heat it.
• Add the Mustard seeds,Cumin seeds,when they splutters add the red chillies and curry leaves.
• Now add the chopped beet root pieces & mix well with the spoon.
• Add the grounded mixture ;mix well and sprinkle some water& adjust with salt.
• Cook it for 3 whistles.
• Open the lid when the pressure comes down.
• garnish with the kothimeer .
• Serve it with Rice or roti.

Dosakaya Bajji ~ Cucumber Bajji

This is a very simple & easy recipe which I have learned from my Mother-in-Law.I liked this and tried this  in the U.S after getting a Indian style Yellow  Cucumber.As we all know the Bajji means containing a batter of Besan flour and adding the variety of Vegggies & frying them.But this Dosakaya Bajji is absolutely different and here goes the Dosakaya   Bajji recipe.

Ingredients:

• Yellow Cucumber /Dosakaya- 2 no medium
• Tamarind- 1/2 "
• Garlic pods- 2 no
• Green Chillies- 3no
• Kothimeer - few
• Salt to taste

Seasoning:

• Oil-1tbsp
• Mustard seeds-1/2tsp
• Cumin seeds-1/2tsp
• Turmeric- a pinch
• Red chillies-2no splits
• Asafoetida-pinch
• Curryleaves-few

Method:

• Clean the cucumbers ,peel it and remove the seeds or let it be of your choice.
• Cut in to some big pieces.
• Take a vessel add the Cucumber pieces,Garlic pods,Tamarind,Green chillies.
• Pressure cook for 2 whistles.
• Take a mixy jar ,add only the garlic pods,tamarind ,green chillies and salt.
• Turn it to form like a paste.
• Now add the cooked Cucumber pieces and just turn in the mixy jar very light.
• Remove it from the Mixy jar and shift in to a bowl.
• Now add oil in hard bottomed vessel and heat it.
• Add the Cumin seeds,Mustard seeds,turmeric,Asafoetida,red chillies & Curry leaves.
• Add this seasoning to the bowl.
• Garnish with the Kothimeer.
• Serve hot with rice along with a ghee.
• Tasty....Tasty Dosakaya Bajji is ready !!!

Note:

• Check the Bitternes of the Vegetable .
• If the cucumber is well cooked ,no need to turn it in the Mixy jar. Mash it and add the grounded paste.
• you can also steam cook .

Mahaa Sampadhalichhu - Manidweepa Varnana - Geyamaalika

This is read by anyone to the Goddess Sri Lalitha .I got this content from my Mother-in-Law .This is actually in Telugu  & I typed it the same  in the English for convenience.

My Mother-in-Law read this and done the Pooja by offering 32 varieties of flowers containing 32 count for each variety of flower.After reading every 4lines ,we notice the number 1,2,........32.Then we should offer 1 flower ,turmeric,Kumkum ,sandal (gandham) & raw rice mixed with turmeric are placed in front of the goddess & continue this way  by reading 32 lines with the 32 varieties of flowers and offering pooja items .Naivedyam or Prasadam is offered only a Sweet Item.

You can do this and complete this way of Pooja in oneday or as you wish Like when you get 3 varieties of Flowers of 32 count for each variety;then do it oneday.Note the number of times you should read and the variety of flowers you need to done still in a book for your rememberance once completed.

Those who can't follow to read by doing the above process,they can simply read it at anytime of the day.My Mother-in-Law shared her book "Manidweepa Varnanamu " to me ,with her help and the Goddess grace I am able to type it in English and want to let to Know others.With this post I can help to those who are trying for the English,as I am the one who searched for this a lot of sites & unable to  get the information.

Hope you all may like it and  Post me if any mistakes found &; Let to know others if you know more anything about this.

Mahasakti Manidweepa Nivaasini

Mullokalaku moola Prakasini

Manidweepamulo Mantraroopini

Mana Manassulalo Koluvaiyundhi              || 1 ||

Sugandha Parimala Pushpaalennoo Velu

Anantha Sundara SuvarnaPoolu

Anchalanchalambagu Manosukhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                   || 2 ||

Lakshala Lakshala Lavanyaalu

Akshara Lakshala Vaakh Sampadhalu

Lakshala Lakshala Lakshmipathulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                   || 3 ||

Paarijaatha Vana sougandhaalu

Suraadhinaadhula Sathsanghaalu

Gandharvadhula Gaana Swaraalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu

Bhuvaneswaree Samkalpamey Janiyinchey manidweepam

Devadeavula Nivaasamu Adhiyey Kaivalyam                                || 4 ||

Padma raagamulu Suvarnamanulu

Padhiaamadala Podavuna Galavu

Madhura Madhuramagu Chandana Sudhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                      || 5 ||

Aruvadhinaalugu Kalaamathallulu

Varaalanosagey Padaaru Sakthulu

Parivaaramutho Panchabrahmalu

Manbidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                    || 6 ||

Astasiddhulu Navanava Nidhulu

Astadikkuloo Dikpaalakulu

Srusthikarthalu Suralokaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                    || 7 ||

Koti Sooryulu Prachandakaanthulu

Koti Chandrulu Challani velugulu

Koti Taarakala Velugu Jilugulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu               || Bhuvaneswari ||          || 8 ||

Kanchugodala Praakaaraalu

Raagigodala Chathurasraalu

Yedaamadala Ratnaraasulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                   || 9 ||

Panchaamruthamaya Sarovaraalu

Panchalohamaya Praakaaraalu

Prapanchameyley Prajadhipathulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                    || 10 ||

Indraneelamani Aabharanaalu

Vajrapu Kotalu Vaidooryaalu

Pushyaraagamani Praakaaraalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 11 ||

Sapthakoti Ghana Mantravidhyalu

Sarvasubhaprada Itchhasakthulu

Sree Gayatree Gnanasakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu               || Bhuvaneswari ||            || 12 ||

Milamilalaadey Muthyapuraasulu

Tala Tala laadey Chandrakaanthamulu

Vidhyullathalu Marakathamanulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                      || 13 ||

Kubera Indra Varuna Devulu

Subhaalanosagey Agnivaayuvulu

Bhoomi Ganapathi Parivaaramulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                      || 14 ||

Bhakti Gnaana Vairaagya Siddhulu

Panchabhoothamulu Pancha sakthulu

Saptharushulu Navagrahaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 15 ||

Kasthoori Mallika Kundhavanaalu

Soorya Kaanthi Sila mahagrahalu

Aaru Ruthuvulu Chathurvedaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu            || Bhuvaneswari ||               || 16 ||

Manthrinii Dandini Sakthiseynalu

Kaalikaraali Senaapathulu

Muppadhi rendu Mahaasakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 17 ||

Suvarna rajitha Sundharagirulu

Ananthadevi Parichaarikalu

Gomeydhikamani Nirmitha Guhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                     || 18 ||

Sapthasamudramu Lanantha Nidhulu

Yaksha Kinnera Kimpurushaadhulu

Naanaajagamulu Nadheenadhamulu  

Manidweepaaniki Mahanidhulu                                                       || 19 ||

Maanava Maadhava Deva Ganamulu

Kaamadhenuvu Kalpatharuvulu

Srushti SthithiLaya  Kaaranamoorthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                        || Bhuvaneswari ||   || 20 ||

Koti Prakruthula Soundaryaalu

Sakala Vedamulu Upanishatthulu 

Padhaarurekula Padmasakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                     || 21 ||

Divya Phalamulu Divyaasthramulu

Divya Purushulu Dheeramaathalu

Divya Jagamulu Divya Sakthulu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                     || 22 ||

Sree Vigneswara Kumaaraswaamulu

Jnanamukti Ekantha  Bhavanamulu

Mani Nirmithamagu Mandapaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                     || 23 ||

Pancha bhoothamulu Yajamaanyaalu

Pravaalasaalam Anekasakthulu

Santhaana Vruksha Samudaayaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                      || 24 ||

 Chinthaamanulu Navaratnaalu

Nooraamadala Vajrapuraasulu

Vasanthavanamulu Garudapachhalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                      || 25 ||

Dhukhamu Teliyani Devi Senalu

Natanaatyaalu sangeethaalu                                

Dhanakanakaalu Purushaardhaalu

Manidweepaaniki Mahaanidhulu                                                        || 26 ||

Padhunaalgu Lokaalannitipina

Sarvalokamanu Lokamu Galadhu

Sarvalokamey Ee Manidweepamu

Sarveswarikadi Saaswatha Sthaanam                                                  || 27 ||

Chinthaamanula Mandiramandhu

Panchabrahmala Manchamupina

Mahadevudu Bhuvaneswaritho 

Nivasisthaadu Manidweepamulo                ||Bhuvaneswari ||                || 28 ||

Manigana Kkhachitha Aabharanaalu

Chinthaamani Parameswari Daalchi

Soundaryaniki Soundaryamugaa

Agupaduthundi Manidweepamulo                                                        || 29 ||

Paradevathanu Nithyamu Kolichi

Manasarpimchi Arpimchinacho

Apaaradhanamu Sampadalichhi

Manidweepeswari Deevisthundi  || 2 ||                                                 || 30 ||

Noothana Gruhamulu kattinavaaru

Manidweepa Varnana Thommidisaarlu

Chadivina Chaalu Anthaa Subhamey

Astasampadhala Thulathoogeru          || 2 ||                                          || 31 ||

Sivakavitheswari Sree Chakreswari 

Manidweepa Varnana Chadivinachota

Thista Vesukoni Koorchonunantaa

Koti Subhaalanu Samakoorchakonutakye  || 2 ||                                  || 32 ||

 Bhuvaneswari Samkalpamey Janiyinchey Manidweepam

Devadevula Nivaasamu Adhiyey Kaivalyam                         || Bhuvaneswari ||

Phalasruthi :

"Manidweepam " ani Thalistey Chaalu dharidramu,daridaapunaku raadhani Saasthra pramaanam.Atuvanti Mahaasakthivantamaina Manidweepa Varnananu manasaara Chadivina,ledhaa gaanam chesina,etuvanti sathphalithaalu vasthaayo Swayamgaa anubhavinchi telusukovalasindhey gaani,Varninchutaku Veyipadagalugala  Aadhiseshunaku koodaa Sakthi Chaaladu.Lakshala Lakshala Brahmandamulanu kanureppapaatulo srustinchi layamu cheyagala muppadhirendu mahaa sakthulu parirakshanalo  Ee Samastha viswamulu vunduta valana Muppadhi rendu rakaala  (32 ) poolatho Manidweepavaasiniki archana chesi Pasupu,kumkuma,Gandhaakshathalatho yadhaasakthi Upachaaramulatho sevinchina amoghamayina subhaalanu pondhuthaaru.anthey gaaka Intillapaadhi kutumbasabhyulanthaa tarataraala varaku Asta sampadhalatho Bhakti ,Gnaana,vairaagya,Aayu,Raarogya,aiswaryaalatho tulatooguthoo yogulu,siddhulu,Gnaanulu,Mahaabhaktulu,ayinavaariinta janmalu dharimchi Anthyakaalamuna nivaasulai Mokshadhaamamunu Cheyrudhuru.

Note:

• Click for Telugu
• || Bhuvaneswari || indicates to read the below line

              Bhuvaneswari Samkalpamey Janiyinchey Manidweepam

              Devadevula Nivaasamu Adhiyey Kaivalyam

• || 2 || indicates to read those lines 2times.
• Do not repeat the same flower for offering .
• If you read 4times ,and offer the 4 varieties of flowers with 32 count for each variety;Naivedyam can be prepared 1 or 4 as your wish.
• Banthi Puvvu (Marigold) & Kanakaambaram  ( A saffron coloured Flower ) are avoided for this Pooja.
• If anyone want to buy this book in Telugu,you can get this from India some places like Vijayawada & Tirupati from any book shops near by temples or any other Devotional books selling shops.

Some of the Flower Varieties I came to known for this Pooja are the following.Please note that the same flower may contain different colors and Varieties.For Example;the flower Chamanthi ,in this we can get various colors.You need to search the Variety and it may have different colors.

Soon after coming back to India,I will do this Pooja at my home and I can give the more varieties of Flowers.

MalliPuvvu, Gulabi (Hybrid & ChittiGulabilu ),SannaJaaji,ViraJaaji,Sentu Malli,December Poolu,Chamanthulu,(Red ,White ,Yellow),Lilly

Naivedyams/Prasadams are any variety of sweet items.

 *****NOTE******

Hi Friends,I didn't performed pooja with 32 variety of flowers.So ,I am unable to post it clearly and I am getting mails that they done but friends you are not sharing it to know others.

Only thing I can say is what ever I knows,perform,only I am posting .Few mailed me asking Ashtotaramalika,I didn't found ,if you have let us know.

(RAM MANU)  Your Answer is Here:

Friends who performed this pooja they said me performed in the morning.We need any variety of Flower 32 count.Offer 1 flower after reading 4lines.Like this You finish 1variety flower of 32 count completes.
1flower is offered every sloka (example..virajajulu take plate containing 32,offer to Ammavaru after reading 4lines of sloka till the plate completes).

In this way you finish 1 variety of Flower .

My opinion is 32 variety flowers and we read 32 times if we are doing same day means!!

Hope Ram Manu ,You cleared.Prasadam varieties some people says hot/sweet is Ok.

Cabbage Rasam

This is also one type of Rasam which tastes like "Nimmakaya/Lemon Charu".Almost the procedure is same ,only we add the boiled water of Cabbage Vegetable.I usually prepare when I cook any variety with the Cabbage like Curry,Dal.

Here goes the Procedure.

Ingredients:

• Boiled water of Cabbage-1 or 2cups
• Toor dal or Yellow Moong dal-1 cup
• Green chillies-2 no slits
• Ginger Pieces-1/2tsp
• Onion-1/4 cup chopped
• Turmeric- little
• Salt to taste
• Lemon Juice-2tbsp or add more for sourness

Seasoning:

• Oil/Ghee-1/2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds-1/2tsp
• Cumin seeds-1/2tsp
• Curry leaves-few
• Red chillies - 2 splits
• Asafoetida- pinch
• Kothimeer- to garnish

Method:

• Take a pressure cooker,wash the dal twice and add 2 or 3 cups of water.
• Add a pinch of turmeric ,allow to cook for 4 whistles.
• Once the dal is cooked mash it and keep it a side.
• Take a hard bottomed vessel ,add ghee/Oil for the seasoning.
• Add the Mustard seeds,Cumin seeds ,when they starts spluttering add the red chillies,curry leaves and Hing.
• Now add the Chopped onion,Green chilies and the ginger pieces.
• Let them all saute well.
• Now add the boiled Cabbage water and the cooked dal.
• Stir them well.
• Add salt and let it boil for 5minutes ,in a simmer.
• Turn off the gas and add the lemon juice for sourness.
• Garnish with Kothimeer leaves and serve it along with Rice.

Dosa Avakaya

In traditional Andhra Cooking,Dosakaya (Yellow Cucumber) is used  a lot like Dosakaya Pappu (Cucumber Dal),Dosakaya Chutney (Dosakaya Pacchadi) ,Sambar and Avakaya .This serves as a substitute for the regular Avakaya toward the end of the season.This item is served as a main item in the Wedding Menu and is eaten it by mixing the steamed rice and ghee along  with the Mudda Pappu (Plain Cooked Dal) or Pappula Podumu (Spicy Bengalgram dal Powder).

This can be stored for 6 to 8 weeks by keeping in the Refrigerator in an Air-Tight Container.We can eat this Pickle as we like.This Pickle is very easy to prepare and can be served by the next day.It is mixed with the spices &needs to be marinated overnight.Only Indian Cucumber (Nakka Dosakaya ) suites for the pickle as its skin is thick and crunchy.As an Ordinary Cucumber will not stay hard in the spice mix .It becomes very soft and get blended.So always choose Dosakaya (Yellow Melon Cucumber),a small,round light green to bright yellow colored Vegetable with a crisp crunchy skin.

So friends,after a long time in the Torrance, I found the Yellow cucumber at the Grocery Store and tried this recipe.Hope you all may like this.

Ingredients:

• Yellow Melon Cucumber /Dosakaya - 1cup (diced) (Medium size)
• Mustard seeds-4tbsps
• Red chilli powder-3tbsps (Or increase for the Spicyness)
• Salt-1 1/2 tbsp (Add more salt later if required)
• Turmeric-2tsp
• Asafoetida-1/tsp
• Sesame seed Oil- 4 to 5tbsp    or Cooking Oil-2tbsp
• Lemon juice -1tbsp (Optional)

Method:

• Wash a Medium sized dosakaya and wipe it with a dry cloth before cutting.
• Pat dry and cut it in to two halves,de-seed and again cut them into small  bite size pieces along with the skin.
• Grind all the dry ingredients .(Mustard seeds,Red chilipowder & salt)
• Take a dry container/Wide bowl ,mix these spices along with turmeric,asafoetida &lemon juice.
• To this add the Dosakaya Pieces and mix it well.
• Add Oil ,mix gently &slowly until all the pieces of Cucumber are coated well.
• Taste the Pickle and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Cover it and leave it in room temperature for overnight.The Cucumber pieces will start absorbing all the flavors from the spices.Transfer the Pickle in to a clean airtight container and keep in refrigerator.
• Serve this Pickle the Next day with Dosa,Idly,Rice and Upma of your choice of Meal.

Note:

• After cutting the Cucumber pieces ,taste it sometimes the vegetable may tastes bitter.
• Storing the Pickle in the Refrigerator ,the Pickle doesnot changes its Color and can be stored for 6 to 8 weeks.
• On Room temperature it lasts for 3 to 4 weeks.

Cabbage & Tomato Curry

Ingredients:

• Cabbage-1 small no
• Tomatoes-2 no medium
• Salt to taste
• Red Chilli powder-
• Water-little
• Lemon Juice-1/2tbsp (optional)

For Seasoning:

• Oil-1/2tbsp
• Mustard Seeds-1/2tsp
• Cumin Seeds-1/2tsp
• Curry leaves-few
• Turmeric-a pinch
• Red chillies-1no broken

Method:

• Chop the Cabbage & let it boil in the water by adding little amount of salt.
• Drain all the water and keep the cooked Cabbage aside.
• Chop the Tomatoes.
• Take a pan,heat with oil,add the Mustard seeds,Cumin seeds and when they starts spluttering add the Curry leaves,Turmeric & red chillies.
• Now add the chopped tomato pieces and saute it.
• At this stage add the Cabbage and let it cook for few minutes.
• Add the salt and chilli powder and mix well.
• Let it cook for 2mins and switch off the flame.
• Sprinkle Lemon Juice and Garnish with Kothimeer.
• Ready to serve with Rice or Roti.

Note:

• You Can also prepare this in a Pressure Cooker ,by doing the Seasoning and following the above Procedure and cooking it for 1 or 2 Whistles.(Add only few drops of water)
• If you are boiling the Cabbage Separatley in the water,use the drain water as a Cabbage Rasam.

Finger Tubes

This is a all time snack item for kids,easily available at some shops .Some are available by already fried and some of them are available in raw .When the Children are not interested to eat their food ,If we fry these tubes ,automatically they shows interest eating towards food.But some kids may complete these Finger Tubes  fixing to their fingers & also avoiding the food to eat.I like this variety of Fried snack items eating along with Sambar rice and a variety of Dal Rice.Now my boy is enjoying its taste!!

So friends,try this very simple and easy snack item for your kids.

Ingredients:

• Finger Tubes/Long Tubes- 1 small cup or 1 Packet
• Oil- for frying
• Salt & Chilli powder -to taste

Method:

• Heat the pan with sufficient oil.
• Fry the amount of chips required and place them in to a bowl.
• Sprinkle some salt & Chillipowder to taste.
• Serve it along with Rice or as a Snack.

Note:

• Add the Salt & Chilli powder only if needed after tasting the Fried one.

Mother's Day

Mom's smiles can brighten any moment

Mom's hugs  put joy in all our days

Mom's Love will stay with us forever

and touch our lives in precious ways.

Divya's Cooking Journey wishes all the Mother's to celebrate a very Happy & Wonderful Mother's Day.

Mother's Day

"Mother's can Look through a Child's eyes and see tomorrow".

History:

Mother’s Day which is celebrated throughout the world to honor mothers and motherhood was created by Anna Jarvis in Grafton, West Virginia. The holiday nowadays are widely commercialized and considered as a “Hallmark Holiday”.

According to some scholars, the concept of Mother’s Day was celebrated even in the ancient Greece to honor Rhea, the mother of the gods. Some say, that during the early days, the Christians used to celebrate Mothering Sunday on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor Mary, the mother of Christ as well as to all the mothers.

Traditions:

Mother’s Day is celebrated all throughout the world to mark the unconditional love that they give to all her children and expect nothing in return. Mothers only wish their children’s well being and Mother’s Day is the celebrated to pamper, love and care them with all the love that the children have for their mothers. The celebration though a Western concept gained much popularity with time and its huge commercial success. Every country has set a particular date as the Mother’s Day which is celebrated in its own way with the same idea to make the mothers and their motherhoods special and unique.

Celebrations:

People celebrate this day with fanfare and the children in the house try their level best to make their Mothers happy like making the breakfast or cleaning the house.They even give valuable gifts and are treated with delicacies made specially for their  Moms.Some Children makes a greeting card by themselves and greet with it to their Mother.

Note:

• Mother's Day Dates All around the World

Yellow Peas Mixture

This is a very easy and tasty evening snack item  and these are a very good source of Cholesterol-Lowering fiber and also of special benefit in managing blood-sugar disorders since their high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising rapidly after a meal.So here goes the recipe.

Ingredients:

• Yellow Peas/Pasupbatthani-1 cup
• Onion-1 no small
• Tomato-1 no small chopped
• Salt-to taste
• Red chillipowder-1tsp
• Garam Masala-1/2tsp
• Dhaniya Powder-1/2tsp
• Raw Mango pieces-2tbsp
• Lemon Juice-1tbsp
• Grated Carrot-1tbsp
• Kothimeer leaves-few chopped

Method:

• Soak the Yellow peas in the water for the Whole night .
• Pressure cook the peas by adding the sufficient water and little salt for 3 whistles and keep it aside.
• Take a bowl add the chopped onion,tomato pieces,garam masala,red chillipowder,Dhaniya powder.
• Add the raw mango pieces .
• Add the cooked Yellow peas to the bowl and mix well by adding sufficient salt .
• Finally garnish with grated carrot and the kothimeer.
• Tasty yellow Peas Mixture is ready to Serve!!

Note:

• You can also add the Mango Ginger (Maamidi Allam) pieces few to this mixture for taste.