Kanika ( Sweet rice )

 KANIKA 

In Orissa , for lord Jagannath , ususally Chappan bhog is prepared , i.e 56 types of food is offered for Neivedhyam daily.  One of the Chappan bhog is Kanika.  It is very similar to South Indian Sarkarai Pongal with little variation. Kanika is a favourite food of Sri Krishna. 

Let us see how to prepare Kanika. 

Ingredients: 

Rice : 1/4 cup

Sugar : 1/4 cup

Kadalai paruppu ( channa  dal ) : 1 tbsp

Ghee : 1 tbsp+ 1 tbsp

Bay leaf : 1/4

clove : 1

Green cardamom powder : 2 pinches

Cinnamon stick : 1/8 inch

Nutmeg powder : 1 pinch

Salt : 1 pinch

Raisins : 1 tbsp

Water : 1 cup

Method : 

Soak Channa dal for 2 hrs.

Drain and add it along with rice .

Cook rice in pressure cooker nicely. 

In a Pan, add 1 tbsp of ghee and saute' bay leaves, cloves and cinnamon stick . When it leaves a nice aroma , remove it from ghee and keep it aside.  we are adding whole masala just for flavour. 

Now add a ladle of water and sugar. 

When sugar melts completely add cooked rice+ dal mixer, cardamom powder, nutmeg powder, salt and raisins . 

Mix everything nicely and cook for a couple of minutes. 

Add 1 tbsp of ghee and switch off the flame. 

Keep a tulsi leaf and offer Kanika to lord jagannath . 

*  Note :   You can use Basmati rice too for preparing this dish.  If using Basmati rice, then prepare it using rice : water in 1 : 2 ratio.  

Jai Sri Krishna.

Radhe Krishna.