### Vadapappu Panakam Recipe for Sri Rama Navami Festival
Vadapappu panakam is a customary dish presented to Lord Rama during the Sri Rama Navami festival, commemorating his birth. This celebration is marked by Hindus on March 28th, and the recipe features a delightful mix of soaked moong dal, jaggery, and panakam, which is a rejuvenating beverage.
#### Ingredients
**For Vadapappu:**
– 1 cup yellow moong dal
– 1 cup grated jaggery
– 1 cup chalimidi (optional)
– Salt to taste (for savory variant)
– Grated raw mango, coconut, and green chilies (for savory variant)
**For Panakam:**
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup grated jaggery
– 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, for flavor)
#### Instructions
**Preparing Vadapappu:**
1. Wash the yellow moong dal thoroughly under running water until clear.
2. Soak the moong dal in water for approximately 2-3 hours.
3. Once soaked, drain the water and place the moong dal in a serving bowl.
4. For the sweet version, incorporate grated jaggery and serve. For the savory option, mix in grated raw mango, coconut, green chilies, and salt as needed.
**Making Panakam:**
1. In a bowl, mix the grated jaggery with water, stirring until fully dissolved.
2. Add dry ginger powder, crushed black peppercorns, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt to the jaggery mixture.
3. Blend well and taste. Modify sweetness or spice levels to preference. Optionally, include a few drops of lemon juice for an additional kick.
4. Refrigerate the panakam before serving.
#### Serving
Present the vadapappu next to the panakam as a revitalizing pair. This dish provides both sweet and savory tastes while offering various health advantages, especially during the warm summer days. The cooling effects of panakam combined with the nourishing moong dal make this an ideal offering for the festival.
Savor this traditional dish during Sri Rama Navami and celebrate the event with your loved ones!