Couscous & Bengal Gram Pudding shots /Couscous & Kadle Bele Payasa

Today is 14th Febrauary . Everyone celebrates this day as Valentine day but many people do not know today is a auspicious occasion of Ratha Saptami . Ratha Saptami is a Hindu festival that falls on the seventh day (Saptami) in the bright half (Shukla Paksha) of the Hindu month.It marks the seventh day following the Sun’s northerly movement (Uttarayana) of vernal equinox starting from Capricorn (Makara). It is symbolically represented in the form of the Sun God Surya turning his Ratha (Chariot) drawn by seven horses (representing seven colours) towards the northern hemisphere, in a north-easterly direction. It also marks the birth of Surya and hence celebrated as Surya Jayanti (the Sun-god’s birthday).

Ratha Saptami is symbol of the change of season to spring and the start of the harvesting season. For most Indian farmers, it is an auspicious beginning of the New Year. The festival is observed by all Hindus in their houses and in innumerable temples dedicated to Surya, across India.

On the Occasion of Ratha Saptami and Valentine’s Day I am sharing a yummy recipe with you.

Recipe for Couscous & Bengal Gram Pudding shots /Couscous & Kadle Bele Payasa

Ingredients:

1Cup= 160 ML

1 Cup  Channa dal / Bengal Gram boiled

½ Cup Couscous

700 ML Full cream milk

1 Cup Jaggery

A few strands of Saffron

10 Cashews

15 Raisins

2 Tsp Ghee

Method:

Take a thick bottom pan. Add Ghee. Roast Cashews and Raisins and place it on a paper towel once done.Add couscous in the remaining ghee and roast for 5 to 7 mins on low flame.Add milk and let it simmer on low flame .Keep stirring in between. Once the milk begins to boil add jaggery and boiled channa dal. Let is simmer till the jaggery melts completely.Add the saffron strands too.It will take about 15 to 20 mins for the jaggery to fully melt.One done switch off the flame.

Pour them in small cups/ glasses ,garnish with roasted cashews ,Raisins and saffron strands and serve.

Enjoy!!!!