Our culture is as deep rooted and connected with God and festivals as with food. This rich heritage is a must treasure.
        Karadaiyan Nombu or Savitri Nombu is an important festival in Tamil Nadu, akin to the Karva Chauth in the North, w.r.t its significance and purpose - married women praying for the longevity of their hubbies and family welfare in general. and of course the prospective young girls praying for a good one too!
          The festival falls on the day when the Tamil month of Maasi is about to progress into Panguni. Though the exact time of performing the ritual varies year to year, it is roughly before the month transition actually happens.
Kara Adai, after which the Nombu is aptly named are steamed rice vadas, made in both savoury and sweet versions and served, for some reason, with butter! Here are the recipes for both versions...
KARA ADAI (SWEET & SAVOURY)Ingredients: (Jaggery version) Makes about 30
Rice powder - 1 ½ cups
Coconut, cut into small bits - Â½ cup
Black eyed pea / Lobia / Karamani(cooked) - Â½ cup
Jaggery - 2 cups
Water - 4 cups
Cardamom powder (dissolved in little water) - Â½ tsp
Method:
1. Heat water in a large wok along with jaggery and bring to a boil till jaggery dissolves.
2. Add the coconut bits and reduce heat. Gradually add the rice powder stirring simultaneously, leaving no lumps.
3. Now add the lobia and cardamom powder(dis...