Yoghurt and beaten rice mixed together with seasoning. This dish is very soothing and a perfect way to detoxify. When Avalakki / beaten rice is offered to any Hindu, he/she will not refuse it. This is because of a very endearing story of Sri Krishna and his friend Sudama. Avalakki is known as “Sudama”. A short narration of the story is as follows, and kids love to hear this story again and again.
Sudhamana Kathe / Story of Sudhama
When Sri Krishna was studying under Sandeepini guru / master, Sudhama was his best friend. Sudhama was a Brahmin boy and had come to study the Vedas in this gurukula / school.
Later Sri Krishna became the king of Dwaraka with richness surrounding him. But Sudhama and his family were poverty stricken. Sometimes they did not have food to eat. Sudhama’s wife pleaded with him saying, “Your friend is the king of Dwaraka, why don’t you go and ask him for something?”. Sudhama reluctantly agreed to meet Sri Krishna to tell him about his misfortune and ask for help. But he wanted to take a gift to his friend and complained to his wife that they don’t have anything worthwhile to gift Sri Krishna. Sudhama’s wife borrows some Avalakki / Poha / Flattened rice from her kind neighbors and tied it in a cloth to be given to Sri Krishna.
Sudhama reached Dwaraka and Sri Krishna was very happy to see Sudhama. He welcomed his favorite friend warmly and washed his legs and served him a feast. After food Sri Krishna made Sudama sit along with him on the throne and asked about his well-being. Sri Krishna asked “So, what has my bhabhi/ aththige / sister-in-law sent for me?”, Sudhama was quiet and was trying to hide the cloth packet. Sri Krishna noticed this and forcefully took the packet from Sudhama. He opened the packet and started eating Avalakki and exclaimed “Aha…Wah…it is so tasty, I cannot have enough of this” and as he digged in for more, Rukmini came up and stopped Sri Krishna from eating more of Avalakki and quipped, “ Won’t you spare some for us?”.
Happily Sudama returned back home. As he entered the house he was stunned to see the house filled with treasures. This goes to show that if you have Sri Krishna’s blessing, there is no dearth for anything. Sudhama prayed that Sri Krishna’s blessings and kindness be bestowed on everyone.
Recipe:
Time Required: 10 Minutes
Ingredients:
2 Cups Avalakki / Poha / Beaten Rice
2 Cups Curds / Yoghurt
½ Cup Milk
½ Cup Fresh Grated Coconut
1tbsp Coriander Leaves, Chopped finely
Salt to taste
For the Seasoning:
2tsp Oil
1tsp Bengal Gram
1tsp Urad Dal
1tsp Mustard Seeds
2 Green Chilis, Chopped
Few Curry leaves
1tsp Asafoetida
Method:
Soak Avalakki in water for 2 to 3 minutes. Heat Oil in a kadai/pan and add Bengal Gram, Urad Dal and Mustard Seeds. When the Mustard Seeds starts to splutter, add Red Chilies, Green Chilies, Curry leaves and Asafoetida. Remove from heat and keep aside.
Drain excess water from Avalakki and remove to a mixing bowl. Add the seasoning over the Avalakki and add the remaining ingredients to it and mix well. Serve with any pickle or chutney pudi / powder.
