Usually I make drumstick poricha kuzhambu or sambar( Murungakkai in Tamil, Mulakada in Telugu, Nuggekai in Kannada, Muringakka in Malayalam ) whenever I buy this vegetable. But this time I bought drumstick to try some different recipes with it. When I was browsing, I found this South Indian style drumstick masala curry recipe here. Basically I love fry/poriyal recipes made using whole garam masala. So I tried this recipe for our lunch yesterday along with brinjal kara kuzhambu without any second thought. It came out very well. We loved it a lot and got thumbs up from Sendhil. It was a good side dish for dal rice & curd rice. If you like, you can have it with chapathi too. Do try this masala for a change and share your feedback with me.Lets see how to prepare this yummy drumstick masala for rice.
Drumstick/Murungakkai masala recipe
Drumstick/Murungakkai masala recipe for rice
Cuisine:South Indian
Category:Side dish for rice
Serves:Serves 2
Prep time:10 Minutes
Cook time:20 Minutes
Total time:30 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
Drumstick/Murungakkai - 1 no
Big onion - 1 no ( chop finely)
Garlic cloves - 4 nos (-do-)
Tomato - 1 no (-do-)
G&G paste - 1/4 tsp
Red chilli powder - 1 tsp
Dhania powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
Salt & water - as needed
Sugar or jaggery – a pinch
To saute
Cooking oil - 1 tbsp
Cinnamon - 1 inch piece
Cloves - 2 nos
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - few
To grind
Grated coconut - 1/4 cup
Fennel seeds - 1 tsp
Water – as needed
METHOD
Wash & chop the drumstick into finger size pieces. Slit it half way till the center.Grind coconut, fennel seeds to a smooth paste adding required water.In a kadai, heat oil & saute cinnamon, cloves, cumin seeds. Add onions, curry leaves, g&g paste. Saute until its raw smell goes off. Now add the finely chopped tomato pieces and saute until mushy. Add the drumstick pieces now. Mix well.
Add red chilli powder, dhania powder, turmeric powder and salt.Saute for a minute and add the required water. Cover & cook the drumstick till its done.
After the drumstick is cooked well, add the ground coconut paste and saute until the masala thickens.Switch off the flame and serve hot with rice!!
Enjoy !
Note
Adjust the quantity of red chilli powder & dhania powder as per your taste.
If you like to have it as a gravy, add more water and adjust its consistency. I made it thick like a curry/poriyal.
Try this yummy drumstick masala for rice. It tastes yum !! I served it with Brinjal Kara kuzhambu : ))
Karadaiyan Nombu/Nonbu is a traditional festival of fasting observed in remembrance of the Satyavan – Savitri legend. As it is an important festival of South India, I thought of sharing its pooja procedure/Pooja vidhi and the timings for pooja for beginners. I wanted to keep a record of all our festival celebrations in my blog for my future reference. So I started with this festival. There is a story/Katha behind this festival. I have shared it in detail below.
Clickthis linkfor nonbu adai recipe(Sweet adai and salt adai) for neivedyam.
A princess, Savitri through her devotion saved her husband, Satyavan, from death. So this festival is also known as Savitri viratham in Tamil / Savitri Vrat in Hindi. On this day, Women observe fasting and pray for the wellness and long life of their husbands. This nonbu/vrat should be done exactly in the time when Tamil month 'Masi' ends and the next month 'Panguni' starts. I have shared the nonbu timings for different parts of world below. Please check it. Fast is observed from the sunrise on the supposed transition day and ends with the Puja.Women break the fast by eating the Karadai (Made of Rice & dal) preparation with unmelted butter by chanting a slokha given below.
In short, the reason why this fasting is carried out is that “ Savithri fought with yema (the God of Death) to save her husband's (Satyavan) life", the same way the married women should fast on this auspicious day for long life of their husbands. Unmarried woman also observe Karadaiyan Nombu and pray to Goddess to get good men as their husband. Prayers are offered to Gowri Devi and women meditate on Savitiri and wear a yellow thread round their neck as they chant the following slokha/slokam.
Women who are not able to perform this pooja on Nombu day can do this pooja on the following Tuesday or Friday in Panguni month in auspicious time of the day. The following is the Tamil chant while doing neivedyam.
"உருகாத வெண்ணெயும் ,ஓர் அடையும் நோற்று உனக்கு நான் வைத்தேன் , எந்நாளும் என் கணவர் எனை விட்டு பிரியாதிருக்க வேண்டும் " என்று அம்மனை நோக்கி வேண்டி நமஸ்கரிக்கவும்.
which means I offer butter and the rice made out of kaar arisi. Bless me that I live happily with my husband for long.
While tying the rope, recite the following slokha :
Meaning : Devi, I am tying this nombu saradu around my neck for the longevity of my husband (Father for unmarried girls). Please bless me.
Please check the video below for Karadaiyan nombu adai recipes.
Story of Karadaiyan Nombu Savithri was a princess of a rich kingdom in ancient India.She was born as the daughter of King Asrapathi. She was the only child of her parents. When she attained the age of marriage, she told her father that she would herself search for a suitable husband for her. She wished to marry Sathyavan who lived in the forest. Despite being warned by the palace astrologer that he would die within a year of marriage, she married Sathyavan.
Days passed and the last day of Satyavan's life as per the prediction dawned. On that day, Satyavan made Savitri sit under a tree and went to fetch fruits and logs for fuel. After sometime, he returned feeling very tired. Savitri made him lie in a bed made of fresh green leaves keeping his head in her lap. As Satyavan started closing his eyes, there appeared in front of Savitri, a huge figure with a bison as his vahana. Savitri with her dedication and devotion could immediately recognize the figure as Yama, the God of death.
She immediately saluted him and asked him the purpose of his visit. Yama replied that as destined Satyavan's life span was over and he had come to take his life to the other world. Saying this Yama started walking away with Satyavan's soul. Savitri left the body of the lifeless Satyavan under the tree and started following Yama. Yama forbade her from following him, saying she could not follow him to the other world, as Yama loka was inaccessible to living beings. Only souls of dead beings are taken there. Savitri insisted on following her husband’s soul. Yama could not stop her from following him. At last, Yama agreed to grant her three wishes on condition that she would go back. She agreed.
She asked as the first boon, that her in-laws get back their lost kingdom which Yama granted readily. For the second wish she asked that, as she was the only child of her parents, they get more children. This was also granted by Yama immediately. As the last wish, she asked that she should have many children which also was granted by Yama in his eagerness to get rid of her. Only after granting this wish, Yama realized that he had been tricked into granting Satyavan life, as a pious and pathivratha (chaste) woman like Savitri cannot have children if Satyavan were to be dead. Yama had to accept his defeat and restore the life of Satyavan. Savitri came back to the tree where she had left the lifeless body of Satyavan. By the blessings of Yama, Satyavan woke up as if from his sleep and Savitri narrated the happenings to him.
To offer her gratitude to the Gods, Savitri immediately made a simple neivedyam with available things on hand, Rice & dals and tied the mangala sutra once again as her husband had got back his life. Her offerings were durwa grass and peepal leaves.She performed neivedhyam with wild rice and toor dal. That is kaar arisi and thuvaram paruppu.The preparation is known as Kaaradai nombu adai - the festival takes its name from the unique dish prepared using Kaar arisi. It is believed that Savitri cooked such a dish and offered it to Lord Yama along with unmelted butter as a sort of thanksgiving for sparing her husband’s life. This is how Karadaiyan Nombu festival came into existence. I thank Jaishree for sharing this story in her blog. You can find that in the link below.
Nombu Timings In 2024, the date of Karadaiyan Nonbu is March 14th, Thursday. For India :
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 09:30 AMto 11:30 AM
Duration - 2 hours (as per vakiya panchangam)
As per Drik Panchang website :
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 06:32 AMto 12:46 PM
Duration - 06 Hours 15 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 12:46 PM
DO'S & DONT'S
Generally,
1. There is a saying in Tamil, "Maasikkayiru Paasipadarum". It means you have to tie the nonbu saradu (yellow rope) in maasi month itself. 2. Its not auspicious to perform Pooja (Nombu) at midnight (Agaala neram). 3. It is also not auspicious to perform pooja before brahma muhurtham. 4. After 9 pm, Ambal becomes ugra swaroopini from Santha swaroopini as per tantra sastram.
5. Do not drink Buttermilk on this festival day because there is a saying in Tamil " Yezhaiyaar nootra nonbai Mozhaiyaar kondu selvaar".
6. Next day morning, give 2 kaar adais to cow(Pasu maadu) if possible. This was done by Savithri to rescue her husband Sathyavaan from Yaman.
Because of the above mentioned reasons, if the time falls after 9pm for your location, you can do the pooja from 7 pm to 8.30 pm at night. Otherwise you can perform as per the transition muhurtham from maasi to panguni.
In United States, For Washington DC
As per Drikpanchang.com
Karadaiyan Nombu on Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:22 AMto 03:16 AM, Mar 14
Duration - 19 Hours 55 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 03:16 AM, Mar 14
For Sunnyvale, California
Karadaiyan Nombu on Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:21 AMto 12:16 AM, Mar 14
Duration - 16 Hours 55 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 12:16 AM, Mar 14
For Newyork, New Jersy
Karadaiyan Nombu on Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:10 AMto 03:16 AM, Mar 14
Duration - 20 Hours 06 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 03:16 AM, Mar 14
For Los Angeles, USA
Karadaiyan Nombu on Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:05 AMto 12:16 AM, Mar 14
Duration - 17 Hours 11 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 12:16 AM, Mar 14
Australia
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:01 AMto 06:16 PM
Duration - 11 Hours 15 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 06:16 PM
London
Karadaiyan Nombu on Wednesday, March 13, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:03 AMto 03:16 AM, Mar 14
Duration - 20 Hours 14 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 03:16 AM, Mar 14
Singapore
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:11 AMto 03:16 PM
Duration - 08 Hours 06 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 03:16 PM
Malaysia
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 07:20 AMto 03:16 PM
Duration - 07 Hours 57 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 03:16 PM
Dubai
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 06:29 AMto 11:16 AM
Duration - 04 Hours 47 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 11:16 AM
Riyadhi, Saudi Arabia
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 06:03 AMto 10:16 AM
Duration - 04 Hours 14 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 10:16 AM
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 06:56 AMto 08:16 AM
Duration - 01 Hour 20 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 08:16 AM
Berlin, Germany
Karadaiyan Nombu on Thursday, March 14, 2024
Karadaiyan Nombu Vratham - 06:22 AMto 08:16 AM
Duration - 01 Hour 54 Mins
Manjal Saradu Muhurtham - 08:16 AM
The timings mentioned here are just approximate ones taken from "Drik Panchang" , If you are looking for accurate timings, please use the link below. Mention your city name ( Anywhere in the world) and find the timings and date.
Please note the time of Maasi ending and Panguni starting varies from country to country. If you wish, you can consult your temple priest or check with elders or refer Panchangam. Avoid Rahu kalam and Yama gandam timings for doing pooja. Better to do it before 9pm on festival day. Women who are not able to perform this pooja on Nombu day can do it on the following Tuesday or Friday in Panguni month in the auspicious time of the day (Avoid rahu kalam and yama kandam) .
Click on this picture to view how to draw it with video :)
Ingredients required for Pooja Click this link for Karadaiyan nombu Sweet adai & salt adairecipes using homemade rice flour in detail with step by step pictures and video.
Rice, Legumes ( black eyed peas – We keep a mix of 9 grains) and Unmelted butter.
Jaggery, cardamom, green chilli, ginger and seasoning ingredients for making sweet & spicy adai.
Camphor, Incense stick.
Yellow rope tied with a flower in the center.
Banana leaf or plates
How to perform pooja
For pre preparatory works, sweep the house the previous day of the festival. Wash the lamps and keep kumkum dots on the eve of festival. Prepare the homemade rice flour, roast and keep it ready for the next day use.
On the festival day morning, we wake up early and take head bath. Draw Rangoli/Padi kolamin the entrance using rice flour paste(Maakolam) and in front of the pooja room. If you are fasting till pooja time, you can just drink milk, lemon juice or consume any fruits. Elders and pregnant ladies can take recipes made of raw rice like upma, idli and any side dish without onion, garlic.
Do not drink buttermilk on this day.
Roast the black eyed peas/ karamani/ thatta payaru and pressure cook for one whistle. Prepare sweet adai by mixing rice flour and cooked peas in jaggery syrup. Similarly prepare salt adai too. Steam both the adai in an idli pot and set aside. After finishing the neivedyam works, decorate the pooja room. Make yellow thread by greasing a thread with turmeric powder. Tie a flower in the center of rope. The number of threads should be equal to the number of woman+girls at home along with one for Goddess Lakshmi. After decorating the pooja room, light the lamps.
At the time of pooja, wear a silk saree. Keep the Nombu adai with umelted butter on top of adai in the middle of banana leaf or a plate. Keep the broken coconut, betel leaves, nuts and banana and yellow ropes in the edge of banana leaf or plate (nuni ilai). Do the neivedyam, show the dhoop & dheep. Perform Mangala aarti by chanting the slokha.
"உருகாத வெண்ணெயும் ,ஓர் அடையும் நோற்று உனக்கு நான் வைத்தேன் ,எந்நாளும் என் கணவர் எனை விட்டு நீங்காத அருள் தருவாய்" என்று அம்மனை நோக்கி வேண்டி நமஸ்கரிக்கவும்.
Meaning : Devi, I am tying this nombu saradu around my neck for the longevity of my husband (Father for unmarried girls). Please bless me.
After finishing the pooja, sit in the same place and tie the yellow rope for Goddess Lakshmi and then tie a rope around your neck by yourself and tie the rope for unmarried girls around their wrist. i.e Married women should tie the thread around the neck by themselves or by a oldest sumangali at home and you can tie the thread for unmarried girls around the wrist.
If you wish, you can fall at the feet of your husband and get his blessings. After tying the rope, take one adai along with unmelted butter and eat it. Give the second adai to your husband. Rest of the adai can be distributed to the members of family. This is how Karadaiyan Nonbu is performed in our house. This procedure may differ as per places. Consult the elders about your family practice and do the pooja.
NOTE :The thread you tied around the Lakshmi / Ambal Idol can be removed after few days once its worn out and it should be tied to a plant or dispersed in river water. The thread tied around the women can be tied to the mangal sutra if you wish OR tie it in a plant or branch of a tree. Women who are not able to perform this pooja on Nombu day can do this pooja on the following Tuesday or Friday in Panguni month on the auspicious time of the day.
FRIENDS, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ANOTHER TRADITIONAL NOMBU (As per Tamil brahmins) PROCEDURE AS PER VAITHAKASRI MAGAZINE , PLEASE REFER BELOW:
Put arisi maa kolam ( Rice flour rangoli) in front of Ambal in pooja room.
Put one nuni vazhai ilai( Banana leaf) per married women / girl baby in the house.
The edge of the banana leaf should face North.
On the edge, place betel leaf & nuts, banana and nombu saradu/yellow rope.
In the middle, keep two adai / kaar arisi adai with butter on it.
Keep one extra nombu saradu on the banana leaf of the oldest sumangali/ married women. This is for Ambal/ Goddess.
If the number of leaves is an odd number like 1,3,5 put one leaf extra and make it to even number like 2, 4, 6.
Put flower garland for ambal photo and do ashtothra archanai, dhoopam, dheepam.
Ladies and girls should do prokshanam( sprinkle water 3 times around the banana leaf) saying the following lines.
"Urugaadha vennaiyum ore adaiyum naan tharuven,
Oru kaalum ennai vittu en kanavar piriyadhirukka vendum" .
Pray this to Ambal. The oldest sumangali should tie the nombu saradu to ambal Photo. Then she should tie herself around her neck saying the following slokham.
Meaning : Devi, I am tying this nombu saradu around my neck for the longevity of my husband (Father for unmarried girls). Please bless me.
After saying this slokha, all the other ladies should say the same and tie the rope in front of Ambal photo.
Eat one kaar adai from your respective banana leaf. Other one is for your husband.
There is a saying in Tamil, "Eezhaiyaar notra nombai mozhaiyaar kondu selvaar". So on the whole day, avoid buttermilk. Next day morning, give 2 kaar adais to cow (Pasu maadu) if possible. This was done by Savithri to rescue her husband Sathyavaan from Yaman.
.Lets see how to prepare this yummy drumstick masala for rice.
Drumstick/Murungakkai masala recipe for rice 
