Sankranthiki Vasthunnam: Etho Vasthunnam, Etho Amritathunnam!

Sankranthi, the joyous harvest festival, is a time for celebration and feasting in India. And what better way to celebrate than with a delicious traditional meal? One of the most popular Sankranthi dishes is vasthunnam, a sweet and savory porridge made from rice, lentils, and coconut.

Vasthunnam has been a part of Sankranthi celebrations for centuries. It is believed that the dish originated in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The name "vasthunnam" comes from the Telugu words "vasthu," meaning "wealth," and "annam," meaning "food." Vasthunnam is thus considered a symbol of prosperity and abundance.

Vasthunnam is made with a variety of ingredients, including:

• Rice
• Lentils
• Jaggery
• Coconut
• Ghee
• Spices

The exact ingredients and proportions may vary from region to region, but these are the core components of vasthunnam.

Vasthunnam is relatively easy to prepare. The first step is to cook the rice and lentils. Once they are cooked, they are combined with the other ingredients and simmered until the porridge has reached the desired consistency.

Vasthunnam has a sweet and savory taste, with a hint of spice. The jaggery and coconut give the dish its sweetness, while the spices add a touch of heat. Vasthunnam is often served with a dollop of ghee, which adds an extra layer of richness.

Vasthunnam is more than just a delicious dish. It is also a symbol of the harvest and the prosperity that it brings. Sharing vasthunnam with friends and family is a way to express gratitude for the year's bounty and to wish for continued prosperity in the year to come.

If you'd like to try making vasthunnam at home, here's a simple recipe:

1. In a large pot, combine 1 cup of rice, 1/2 cup of lentils, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice and lentils are cooked.
2. Add 1 cup of jaggery, 1 cup of grated coconut, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the pot. Stir to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, or until the porridge has thickened.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of ghee and stir to combine.
5. Serve hot, with additional ghee if desired.