### Vadapappu Panakam Recipe for Sri Rama Navami Festival
Vadapappu panakam is a classic dish prepared during the Sri Rama Navami celebration, commemorating the birth of Lord Rama. This festival is celebrated by Hindus and occurs on March 28th in 2015. The meal includes vadapappu, which is soaked moong dal paired with jaggery and chalimidi (a sweet made from rice flour), alongside panakam, a refreshing beverage.
#### Ingredients
**For Vadapappu:**
– 1 cup yellow moong dal (split green gram)
– 1 cup jaggery, grated
– 1 cup chalimidi (optional)
– Salt to taste
**For Panakam:**
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup jaggery, grated
– 1/2 teaspoon dry ginger powder (sonth)
– 1/4 teaspoon crushed black peppercorns
– 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder
– A pinch of salt
– Lemon juice (optional)
#### Instructions
**Preparing Vadapappu:**
1. Rinse the yellow moong dal thoroughly under flowing water.
2. Soak the moong dal in water for approximately 2-3 hours. Drain the water after soaking.
3. In a serving bowl, combine the soaked moong dal with grated jaggery. Modify the sweetness to your liking.
4. Optionally, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
5. If desired, serve with chalimidi for extra sweetness.
**Making Panakam:**
1. In a bowl, dissolve the grated jaggery in water. Mix thoroughly until the jaggery completely dissolves.
2. Incorporate dry ginger powder, crushed black peppercorns, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt into the jaggery water. Stir well.
3. Taste the panakam and include lemon juice if you like a tangy taste.
4. Chill the panakam in the refrigerator or serve it over ice for a cooling beverage.
#### Serving
Present the vadapappu alongside the panakam as a prasadam (offering) to Lord Rama. This combination not only pleases the palate but also provides health advantages, particularly during the hot summer season. The panakam serves as a thirst quencher, while the vadapappu supports digestion.
#### Health Benefits
Panakam is recognized for its ayurvedic qualities, balancing the three doshas: vata, kapha, and pitta. It offers quick relief from heat, cools the body, and stimulates appetite. The dry ginger in panakam aids in gastric problems, making it an excellent match for the nutritious vadapappu.
Savor this delightful vadapappu panakam during the Sri Rama Navami festival and enjoy the rich tastes and health benefits it offers.