Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with great devotion all over India. People bring home murtis (Idols) of Lord Ganesha and celebrate the festival by worshiping the Lord in a special way for a day and a half, 5 days, 7 days or 11 days depending on the family tradition and commitment of each individual.
On the last day of worship the idol is taken out in a colorful and musical procession to be immersed traditionally at a beach.
On this special festival cook delicious Varan Bhaat for your family.
Recipe:
Ingredients
1 cup arhar or tuvar dal/pigeon pea lentils
2.5 cups water for pressure cooking the lentils
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
¼ tsp turmeric powder
salt as required
For tempering:
½ tsp mustard seeds
½ cumin seeds
a pinch of asafeotida (optional)
2 tbsp coconut grated
1 green chili, slit
10-12 curry leaves
1 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnish
1.5 tbsp ghee
For the bhaat or steamed rice:
1.5 cups rice
2.5 to 3 cups water for pressure cooking
Salt as required (optional)
Method for the varan:
Rinse the lentils well in water.
Pressure cook the lentils with tomatoes and turmeric powder for 7-8 whistles on medium to high flame.
When the pressures settle down on its own, open the lid and mash the dal with a wired whisk or wooden spoon.
Add 1 cup water plus salt.
Keep simmering on low flame till you get the desired consistency, which is neither thick nor thin and keeping it aside.
Heat ghee in a pan.
Pop the mustard seeds first.
Then add the cumin and crackle them.
Add the asafoetida, curry leaves and green chilies.
Fry till the curry leaves become crisp.
Pour the whole tempering in the dal.
Cover and let the tempering flavors infuse with the dal for about 5-6 minutes.
Garnish varan bhaat with coriander leaves and grated coconut.
Serve varan bhaat hot with steamed rice.
Method for the bhaat or steamed rice:
Wash and Soak the rice for 20-30 mins.
Drain and then pressure cook the rice with 2.5 to 3 cups water for 2-3 whistles.
Serve the bhaat or steamed rice with the varan.
