CHENNAI : As some you rant and rave about the no non-veg rule at home this month, there is one definite upside to the Purattasi maasam. And it’s name is Akkaravadisal. It’s sweet, has been praised by age-old scriptures and Tamil texts and guess what... Periyazhwar mentions this in the Divya Prabhandam as a favourite of lord Vishnu’s (hence the tradition of making it through this month). So if you’re a fan, you have divine taste!
And here’s why it’s so popular. “It’s simple,” says popular home cook Chithra Viswanathan (or Ask ChitVish) as you might know her from her cooking app. And she quickly adds, “It’s equally delicious.” According to this Mylapore maami, Indian cuisines are deeply routed in culture. And this one of those recipes that needs to be preserved for the sake of the next generation.
However, if you’re not one with culinary flair though, don’t go looking for this on a hotel menu or at your at local bhavan. It’s likely you’ll go back home disappointed.
“As far as I know, there are no restaurants which serve authentic akkaravadisal. I would suggest you always let your mom or wife make that for you,” suggests specialty South Indian chef Koushik S. But given the fact that this sweet relish — a creamy concoction of milk, rice and dal (and served with ghee) has such a fan following — we don’t discourage you to look.
In fact, it is served, although rarely, we must admit, at Vishnu temples in the South. Speaking of which, the Srirangam Ranganathar temple in Tiruchy actually has an inscription with the recipe!
“In today’s world where cooking food for two people at home seems like a herculean task, this works on a super easy format,” says Koushik re-emphasising that this is for of those dishes that can be made by anyone with the basic know-how of boil and stir. Also he adds, “Akkaravadisal is a great source of protein.” And sums up, “So, all those foodies who love to host parties at home and are fed up with restaurant food loaded with oil and added preservatives can now try this.”
Then again, if you’re not up to a kitchen adventure and don’t know where to find akkaravadisal, call your next door aunty. It’s probably, a lot closer than you think.