NEERAGARAM/PAZHANKANJI/PAZHAYA SADHAM

by - August 15, 2018


FOOD AS MEDICINE
NEERAGARAM/PAZHANKANJI/PAZHAYA SADHAM

     Uppu karuvadu, Oora Vacha Soru ... Ya, that's it Oora Vacha Soru or Soaked Rice( a day old cooked rice). It's a lyric from a Tamil Movie song which says Dry Fish and Soaked Gruel... Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram all are the name given to a simple but nutritious dish prepared with soaked and fermented left-over Rice - providing us with Nutrition, Health & Strength.
    It is made by adding few cups of Water to cooked Rice and leaving it aside overnight which facilitates mild fermentation dramatically changing the flavour, taste and significantly increasing the nutritious value. Adding a Cup of thick Curd/Yogurt & Salt to this humble dish enhances the overall nature, taste & nutrition of the dish.  Simply add some crushed Shallots and Kanthari Mulagu(Bird's-eye Chillies), there you get the flavours of the seasonings along with added health benefits of the ingredients.
     Though a dish incorporated to ensure 'NO WASTAGE' during olden days, where there were no refrigerators - the taste and nutritious value of the dish has made it a must-have breakfast for the hard-working peasants to keep up with their daily toil. Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram gives the best of its nutrients along with energy boosting elements, that you feel full until your next meal. But least to mention, Pazhangkanji has conquered the taste buds of the royals & the commons with equality.  This simple Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram, honoured as 'AMRUT/NECTAR' by the great Malayalam Poet Kunjan Nambiar is an utter delicacy with a refreshing nature immediately cooling down your system.
     Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram is an ancient Kerala Breakfast formula which involves Chemical Reactions and transformations.  Pazhankanji is nothing but leftover rice soaked in ample of water, preferably in an Earthen Pot overnight along with Curd/Yoghurt, crushed Shallots, Bird's-eye Chillies, a small piece of Ginger and Few Sprigs of Curry Leaves.  Next morning gently mash all the ingredients with a wooden ladle, preferably with your hands, there you go with a cool, refreshing and all the more a nutritious breakfast with loaded health benefits.
     The cooling nature of this  Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram cools down your body and your digestive system. I have been making this with left-over rice for more than 18 years now.  I started making Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram for my husband who started to get the initial symptoms of  Hemorrhoids/Piles. Many suggested Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram as a simple home remedy to get rid of the symptoms and keep the condition at bay. In my personal experience, I have seen the benefits.  Using Shallots and Kanthari Mulagu(Bird's eye Chillies) helps to heal the internal wounds, Ginger acts as a digestive agent and Curry leaves helps to reduce High Blood Pressure.  To date, I prepare Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram at least 3-4 times a week for breakfast. Even my husband's Malay colleagues have started to have Pazhankanji for breakfast.
      Serve it along with your choice of  Pickle, Chammanthi, Puzhukku, Steamed Tapioca, Fish Curry(Preferably a day old), Mango Curry or any Thoran/Upperi/Mezhukkupurati. Dry Fish Curry or Fry accompanied with this dish takes it to another level, absolutely if you are a fan of Dried Fish. Or Simply gobble this up as such.  You can feel the coolness moving through your digestive system. It is a complete food.
      I can never forget the dialogue Actor Mohanlal says in a Malayalam Movie - 'Kalipattam'.  Take the Rose Chambavu Rice in a Wide Porcelain Bowl, pour some thick Curd into it. Mash it up... mash it up... Add some Pazhuratha Manga Curry cooked with slit Green Chillies (Ripe Mango Curry) mix it and gobble it up...  you can feel your system cooling down and Ya Heavenly indeed.  He also ends up saying ithu muzhuvanum Proteinna...(Its filled with Protein). Every time I see the movie, the way he delivers the dialogue makes me drool for this Pazhankanji...

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Cuisine - Kerala, South India
Spice Level - Low - Medium
Difficulty - Easy
Serves - 2
Author - SM


Preparation Time - 5 -10 Minutes
Soaking Time - 7 - 10 Hours


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HOW TO MAKE NEERAGARAM - PAZHAYA SADHAM/PAZHANKANJI

 

INGREDIENTS :

Left-over cooked Rice - 1/2 Cup
Water @ room temperature - 1-11/2 Cups
Yoghurt - 1 Cup
Shallots - 4-5 Nos.
Birds-eye Chillies - 2 Nos.
Ginger - a small Piece
Curry Leaves - few
Salt - To Taste

METHOD :

  • In a wide bowl, preferably in an Earthen Pot add cooked Rice along with ample of Water.
  • Pour a Cup of Thick Curd/Yoghurt to the Rice & Water.
  • Sprinkle some Salt.
  • Add finely chopped or slightly crushed Shallots, Kanthari Mulagu(Bird's-eye Chillies), Ginger and Curry Leaves.
  • Cover and keep this aside, Overnight.
  • Next morning simply mash up the ingredients with a wooden ladle(hand works best for the purpose).
  • Serve along with your preferred condiments or side dish.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS :

Serve Neeragaram/Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham with any of the following Pickles/Condiments/Side dishes or any dish of your choice.

Chammanthi/Condiments :

Pickles :

Stir-fry/Curries :

FOOD AS MEDICINE:

  • This, day-old fermented Rice is not only delicious but also nutritious.
  • The Fermentation process provides more nutrients and energy to the body.
  • Pazhankanji/Pazhaya Sadham/Neeragaram has Potassium and it is also rich in Iron.
  • It also has Calcium, Magnesium and Selenium which proves beneficial for Bones.
  • Pazhankanji also prevents High Blood Pressure.
  • Anti-oxidants in Pazhankanji is believed to prevent Cancer.
  • It is rich in Vitamin B6 & B12.
  • The healthy probiotics from the Curd/Yoghurt help maintain a healthy gut.
  • This dish is easily digestible thus controlling the acidity level as well as ulcers and also eases constipation.
  • It is also beneficial for Lactating Mothers.

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DISCLAIMER: Please remember these treatments options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replaces the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your physician, homeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.

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