Last 3 weeks, we took a journey on our traditional rice varieties namely Karuppu Kavuni/Black Rice, Poongar/Women’s rice, and Mappillai Samba/Bridegroom rice. We prepared Healthy, soft, and spongy idlis and restaurant-style Tomato Red Chutney, Aval Kesari/Rice Flakes Pudding, and Appam/Pancakes with these kinds of rice respectively. This week, being the fourth edition of the theme Indigenous /traditional rice varieties of Tamil Nadu, we are going to celebrate and honour Poongar/Women’s rice again. Why Poongar rice again? As I’m the mother of two teen girls I've wanted to drench them with these nutrients-loaded rice, which deals with all the Woman’s hormone-related challenges. I already specified in my early posts, that I’m a person who believes in “Food is medicine”, when it comes to my family, how will I forsake it. So, I thought to include this rice in their diet frequently. I prepared Aval Kesari with this Poongar rice flakes, which will fulfil my elder’s sweet tooth. For my younger, who loves spicy and savoury food, thought of preparing a dish which satiates her palate. So, I came up with this recipe, Aval Upma or Poha, utilizing the same Poongar rice flakes. Poongar Rice comes as a lifesaver, when consumed from their puberty stage, it provides all the essential nutrients, regulates their hormonal functions, and boosts their immune system. It’s an instant, gluten-free breakfast option and a healthy grab too. Southern India It’s named Aval Upma. While western India, they call it Poha, their staple food kind of. Preparation remains the same with a slight variation of ingredients. The only pre-prep needed is soaking, especially this indigenous rice flakes needs an extended soaking time. Rest all are breezy. I made a healthy twist by replacing the white rice flakes with this traditional rice variety, Poongar Rice,. But feel free to replace it with any rice flakes whichever is available to you and follow the same prep except the soaking time reduces if it’s normal white rice flakes.
