Sunday, December 9, 2007

Sapaada Bhakshya, Satyanarayana Swami Prasada

Satyanarayana Swami Vrata is supposed to be the most easiest and most rewarding vrata of all, not just for the performer of the vrata, but also for everyone who has the punya of partaking the prasada. Anyone, anywhere can perform this vrata anytime and reap the immense benefits. There are no strict conditions attached. The only must do is the method of preparing the prasad. It is very important that the ingredients be used in the right quantities. "Sa" means equal and "paada" means a quarter and hence the name "Sapaada Bhakshya" One measure each of the four main ingredients(semolina,sugar,milk and ghee) and quarter measure of the 5th ingredient(banana) makes it the sa-paada bhakshya. I heard about it from our purohit who had come to help us perform the pooja once. I failed to ask him why it is to? Like the 7, 14,21....etc., pleats for the Modaka of Ganesha prasada, no sour ingredient in Santoshi Maa prasada this one too.... I guess it is a clever way devised by our ancestors to keep us focused ....Anyways, may God bless one and all... here goes the recipe.....

Ingredients :

1 cup fine Semolina
1 cup Sugar
1 cup Milk
1 cup Ghee
1/4 cup Banana pieces
2 cups Water
Raisins and Cashews fried in Ghee
Cardamom Powder

Method :
  1. Fry semolina in a little ghee until golden in color and nutty smelling.
  2. In a thick bottomed pan mix the milk and the water and bring to a rolling boil.
  3. Slowly add the semolina to it. Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps. It will be easier if you drop in the semolina from a piece of parchment paper. You can then use the other hand to stir.
  4. Be careful as the semolina will now start spluttering. Reduce the heat a bit.
  5. Once all the liquid has been absorbed, slowly add the sugar and banana pieces and keep stirring. The mixture will once again liquify, so take care not to form lumps.
  6. Now add the ghee and mix. It will be better if you add the ghee in batches and mix.
  7. When the mixture turns soft and starts glistening with ghee, take off the heat and mix in the cardamom powder and fried raisins and cashews.
  8. Don't forget to offer it to God before u savour it. :-)

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