Navaratri Recipes | Navratri Special Day 2 ~ Konda Kadalai Sundal, Puliyodarai

The second day of the Navratri saw us hurrying to prepare Konda Kadalai Sundal and Puliyodarai. As Athamma was making the neivedyam today, I gave her the choice to select the lentil. I guess the fact that we still have a never-ending flow of this lentil, she chooses this over the rest! When I have to make neivedyam on a Sunday I normally make Pulihora, but since hubby dear is off tamarind and lime for a while, I haven't made either of these in recent times.

It always amazes me seeing Athamma asking me for each measurement when she attempts Pulihora. Though a good cook herself, this dish somehow baffles her always. I get perplexed seeing how a simple dish for me, sounds so complex for her. That I think is the reason why even though we have so many blogs, recipe sites, people still write asking for some dish or the other. Life's complexity is shown varied so often in such simple moments. When we understand and implement we will get to see the difference!

Starting today, I thought I would read up again on what I did the same day a year back, and two years back. Though one leads to a nonveg post, my account of the day was very interesting for me to remember that day! Life gets captured in a motionless picture, while a blog post captures in a moving sensation!

One year: Pepper Chicken Curry
Two years: Jonna Roti or Indian Bread with Jowar flour

Hubby dear is away for the weekend. We planned well ahead on how to manage our cooking and spend time with the kids. We realize again how being with them is a full time job. I made Appam with Tomato Kurma and Coconut Milk. Once the puja was done, we went ahead with the breakfast. I really enjoyed the day playing with them non stop. But yes, though it's interesting and exciting, I don't think one can manage the kid's energy to play nonstop!

Throughout the day, they kept asking for their dad and even worse for their car! We told them that Daddy has taken it for a wash. They won't rest and were worried that their bus was not to be seen. Finally, I put them for their afternoon nap. Konda has gone festival shopping with Amma.

Wash and soak Kadalai overnight. This needs to be soaked for at least 6 hours. When you are using it, drain wash again and add enough water to the lentil.

Pressure cook till it's soft and tender. Drain the water. Since this tends to be a little harder, you need to put it for extra whistles.

Heat a pan with oil. Add in the mustard seeds and Urad dal. When the mustard splutters, add in the onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Saute till the onions are transparent.

Then add the cooked channa, salt. Combine everything well.

Simmer and cover for a minute. Just before switching it off, add the grated coconut and mix it again.

Well, this is the extent I can stretch myself! I wish you all a great week ahead. And for those of you still in your Sunday, well have a great day.