1 large bowl simple indian rice (boiled rice variety) leftover in fridge
2 medium onions sliced vertically in thin slices
1 green chilli chopped like buttons
2ICE BIRIYANI ? Tamilan's enrich Morning Food
Neeragaram/Pazhayadhu/Pazhaya Soru dry red chillies
1 tsp red chilli powder
2 tsp roasted jeera (cumin seed) powder
2 tsp indian mango pickle with masala
2 tsp mustard oil (for that special tangy flavour)
8 ice cubes
1 bottle cold water
salt to taste
1 medium carrot sliced like florets (for decoration , can be omitted)
Directions:
Divide the rice in 2 serving bowls
Partially burn the red chillies on direct fire, please be prepared to smell some strong chilli fumes!
Pour cold water over rice till rice is fully flooded.
Place all ingredients equally divided over the two rice bowls
Decorate with carrot florets.
Serve as it is.
Mix well with hand before eating.
Note: It is relatively hot and tangy preparation, try only if you can tolerate.Neer + Aagaram in Tamil which translates as Water + Food, the fermented rice gruel that was the traditional drink of Tamil Nadu is a simple man's food,
Our farmers and many villagers from Tamil Nadu have this diet in the morning which keeps them healthy, fit and energized for the whole day. It is a lovely sight to see them having a plate of Neeragaram/pazhayadhu/Pazhaya Soru (leftover soaked rice) biting the onion & green chillies as a side. The authentic way is without buttermilk but to enhance the taste buttermilk is added.
It is very good body cooling, energetic, simple, delicious and a healthy breakfast. In a predominantly agricultural society women folk worked at the fields and therefore preparation of breakfast was avoided since they had to start work early to avoid the scorching heat. The excess rice or left over rice is soaked in water overnight and well covered preferably in an earthen pot. The next day morning, the water is drained and rice is well mashed and mixed with buttermilk. Chinna vengayam/shallots and green chillies make
