Vishu has a charming tradition. The elder in the family lights up the lamps at dawn, then goes to each member of the family one by one, wakes them up without allowing them to open their eyes, and takes them to view the Vishukani. The sight of the golden splendour of different items that comprises the Vishukani is said to bring prosperity and wealth.

A Vishukani typically consists of golden-yellow fruits, vegetables, and most importantly the Konna flowers (Cassia fistula) which bloom in the season. The selection of items includes rice, lemon, yellow cucumber, coconut, jack fruit, betel leaves, coins or currency notes, and an oil lamp (nilavilakku).

1. Vishu Kanji

 

Vishu kanji is a traditional recipe prepared only for Vishu which is served as breakfast after seeing the VishuKani.

Expert tips

Vishu kanji or rice porridge is a wholesome breakfast prepared using coconut milk, brown rice and cowpea or green gram dhal. A power packed protein energy cereal that boosts the energy and kick start your day with a balanced calorie -protein combination.

Coconut milk which is the other main ingredient is highly nutritious and great source of fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Coconut milk promotes digestion and relieves constipation, provides the needed electrolytes and prevents fatigue.

 Recipe

Ingredients-Serving 4-6

Parboiled Rice (preferable brown rice) - ½ cup

Raw rice - ½ cup

Whole Mung dal - ¼ cup

Field bean – ¼ cup

Coconut Milk - 2 cups

Fresh Grated Coconut- 1 cup

Salt to taste

How to make Vishu kanji:

 

1 Dry roast field bean and moong dal separately for 5 minutes or until the aroma sets and cook them adding 2-3 cups of coconut milk until the beans are well cooked.

2.Cook both the variety of rice separately with 3 cups of water until the rice is very soft. When both the rice is cooked mix it together and set aside.

3.Now add the cooked beans along with the coconut milk to rice pot with salt and cook for 2-3 minutes.

4.Finally, add the grated coconut and stir gently before serving.

5.Serve with papad or chakka puzukku (jackfruit curry) and enjoy the mouthwatering Vishu kanji.

2. Ada Pradhaman

 

Ada pradhaman is a delicious dessert prepared for Vishu, which is one of the favourites for Lord Krishna. Vishu sadya is incomplete without the pradhaman. This dessert takes your taste buds to another level. May your homes be loaded with happiness, peace and prosperity, this Vishu!

Expert Tips

The best part about ada pradhaman is that it is healthier desserts than its counterparts. The sweetness comes from jaggery and it is an unrefined sugar. It enhances digestion and purifies the blood.

Ingredients-Servings 4

Jaggery (dark brown) – 230 grams

Ada – 200 grams or 1 cup

Coconut milk(thick) – 300 ml

Ghee – 3 tbsp.

Cashew – 2 tbsp.

Raisins – 2 tbsp.

Cardamom powder – 3/4 tsp

Coconut slices – 1 tbsp.

How to make ada pradhaman:

 

1.Boil 2 cups of water add 1-2 tsp of ghee. This prevents ada from sticking to each other. Add ada and cook it in medium flame till ada gets soft (15-20 minutes).

2.Run cold water over cooked ada to prevent lumping. Drain and keep aside.

3.Meanwhile, heat ghee in a saucepan fry cashews, raisins and coconut slices until it turns brown and keep it aside.

4. In the same saucepan add strained jaggery syrup, add thick coconut milk to it and stir well. To this add cooked ada and keep stirring.

 5. Add cardamom powder and bring it to thick consistency by stirring frequently for about 10 minutes.

6.Once done garnish with fried cashew, raisins and coconut slices. Tasty, yummy and mouth licking ada pradhaman is ready to serve hot/chilled.