Tamil New Year / Chithirai Vishu Recipes – Menu Ideas for Tamil New Year / Chitra Vishu

Tamil New Year, also known as Chithirai Vishu, is a major festival celebrated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The festival marks the beginning of a new year according to the Tamil calendar and falls on the first day of the Tamil month of Chithirai (mid-April). It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and traditional rituals. Tamil cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and spices, and Chithirai Vishu is the perfect occasion to showcase some of these culinary delights. In this article, we will discuss some menu ideas for Tamil New Year, including traditional dishes and some modern twists.

Menu Ideas:

  1. Puliyogare (Tamarind Rice) Puliyogare is a classic Tamil dish that is a must-have on Tamil New Year. It is made with rice that is cooked in tamarind sauce and spiced with a special blend of spices. The dish is topped with fried peanuts and served with a side of papadums.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of cooked rice
  • 1/2 cup of tamarind pulp
  • 1 tbsp of jaggery
  • 1 tsp of mustard seeds
  • 1/2 tsp of fenugreek seeds
  • 2 dried red chilies
  • 1/4 tsp of asafoetida
  • 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder
  • 1/4 tsp of salt
  • 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts
  • 2 tbsp of oil
  • 1 tbsp of ghee

Method:

  • Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, dried red chilies, and asafoetida.
  • Add tamarind pulp, jaggery, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well.
  • Top with roasted peanuts and serve with papadums.
  1. Paruppu Payasam (Dal Kheer) Paruppu Payasam is a sweet dish made with dal, jaggery, and coconut milk. It is a popular dessert in Tamil Nadu and is often served during festivals and special occasions.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of split yellow moong dal
  • 1 cup of jaggery
  • 1 cup of thick coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp of cardamom powder
  • 2 tbsp of ghee
  • 10-12 cashews
  • 1 tbsp of raisins

Method:

  • Roast the moong dal in a pan until it turns golden brown.
  • Cook the roasted dal in 2 cups of water until it becomes soft.
  • Add jaggery to the dal and cook for a few minutes until the jaggery dissolves completely.
  • Add coconut milk and cardamom powder to the dal and mix well.
  • In a separate pan, heat ghee and fry cashews and raisins until golden brown.
  • Add the fried cashews and raisins to the dal mixture.
  • Serve hot or chilled.

Tamil New Year is a special occasion that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the Tamil calendar. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, and traditional rituals. Tamil cuisine is known for its unique blend of flavors and spices, and Chithirai Vishu is the perfect occasion to showcase some of these culinary delights. The menu ideas mentioned in this article are just a few examples of the delicious dishes that can be served during Tamil New Year. Whether you choose to stick to traditional dishes or add a modern twist, the most important thing is to celebrate the spirit of the festival with your loved ones and enjoy the delicious food.

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