JAGGERY RICE (BELLADA ANNA in kannada) - Navratri special

On the fourth day of Navratri, Maa Kushmanda is worshipped with red colour flowers. It is believed that the God Sun is governed by Maa Kushmanda as she provides energy and direction to him. Maa Kushmanda is also believed to live inside the sun as her glow ad radiance is as bright and luminous as that of the sun. The colour of the fourth day of the festival is yellow, signifying joy and happiness.

Jaggery Rice is a scrumptious rice, normally prepared as "prasadam" during Navaratri festival in most temples. It is also called as "Gudanna" or "Bellada Anna" in many parts of Karnataka. This traditional rice dessert just melts in your mouth for sure.

Ingredients:

· Rice – ½ cup

· Water – 1 cup

· Milk – ½ cup

· A pinch of salt

· Jaggery – ¾ cup to 1 cup

· Water – ½ cup

· Ghee – 2-3 tbsp

· Cashew nuts – 1 tbsp

· Raisins – 1 tbsp

· Dry coconut – 1 tbsp

· Cardamom powder – ¼ tsp

· Pacha Karpoora - pinch

Method:

· Wash rice thoroughly, add water, milk and pinch of salt and pressure cook for 2 whistles.

· Take a saucepan, add half cup water and bring it to a boil. Add jaggery in it. Let it melt completely. Once cooled strain it.

· Take a kadai add ghee, fry the cashew nuts, raisins till it is golden brown. Keep it aside. In the same kadai fry the dried coconut.

· Now take a kadai add 2 tbsp ghee, pour the jaggery and pressure-cooked rice.

· Mix it well and simmer for 6-8 mins.

· Add the fried nuts, raisins and dry coconut.

· Add 1 tbsp ghee, cardamom powder and pacha karpoora, give a good mix. Turn off the flame.

· Bellada Anna is ready to be served.