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April 1, 2009

Neer Mor




As you must have noticed, I am not the best when it comes to celebrating festivals or cooking festival related food. I shared with all of you my first Gowri-Ganesha celebration. And since then, I have tried to do what Amma did during festivals. I worry that my "celebrations" will soon be limited to cooking alone. Some part of me tells me that there's nothing wrong with that.



Last year, I was alone during Rama Navami. I didn't want to cook a feast for one person. I made two drinks that Amma makes every year on Rama Navami. This year, I hope to make those two along with some of the other things that are traditionally made.

Sitting in my drafts for a year now, I bring to you this simple recipe. Customary on Sri Rama Navami but welcome at any time during the long summer months is this spiced buttermilk: Neer Mor.


1 cup Curd

4 cups Water

2-3 Green Chillies, chopped finely

1 tsp Ginger Paste

3-4 tbsp Coriander Leaves, chopped finely

Salt to taste


Beat the curd until smooth. Blend with the water. Add the salt, coriander leaves, ginger paste and green chillies. Mix well. Serve cold.


I don't wait for this festival to make this drink, but it seemed apt to share this with all of you when the festival is just round the corner.

17 comments:

FH said...

Most of the time I don't even know the dates of festivals here until somebody says "happy Ugadi Ashakka" etc and then I say "What?!" and try to do something about it. Arvind and kids don't really care but I want to cook something so kids at least can hear about it! :)

Love the name Neer Mor, cool name for Neeru Majjige, I love to drink it.

Finla said...

This glass of moru reminds me of the hot summer days in kerala when we had this during thosed days and w ekids used to love it.

Deepthi Shankar said...

Thatz soo refreshing for a hot summer day

Cynthia said...

Raaga, I totally understand what you mean. Often I let those things go by as I'd only be cooking for one. What forces me to make certain things at those times is my column and just to maintain a connection to home and my family.

Swapna said...

This is a favourite of my family......

Arundathi said...

okay so i saw the post, immediately got thirsty, ran and got cold water!! Just the thought of neer mor makes me feel so cool and fabulous.

Bong Mom said...

Most festival i don't cook, instead I insist we eat out to celebrate :)

The Neer Mor looks like a coolant for hot summer, almost khara lassi ?

~~louise~~ said...

I am always thirsty for festival tidbits. I sometimes would like to post or link to someone who knows about them on my blog but have no way if they are not explained from a personal point of view. Festivals, I feel are as much a part of tradition as the food we eat.

This drink reminds me of a yogurt drink I make. I don't know what it is called but a Turkish friend, who taught me how to make yogurt, also taught me the drink. Your drink is so much more elaborate. I will save this as I am sure I will like it:)

Thanks for sharing, Raaga

Cham said...

Festival is sambar and vadas to show my son is festival!
I guess the heat started in India, love the neer moor

Gita Jaishankar said...

This neer mor reminds of the hot summer days in India, it used to be so refreshing. I should start making neer mor soon when it starts getting warmer in Virginia :)

sra said...

Was the other drink panakam? We also make a prasadam with soaked green gram, banana and coconut bits.

delhibelle said...

i love love love this drink,used to have it regularly at a little joint near my office in Delhi.
Happy Rama Navami

Anonymous said...

Same here Raaga, never really prayed much attention to the festivals till now.. the previous day of the festival my mom / MIL will call to remind what to do and I would just do it.. This time my MIL is staying with us and she was just now telling we need to prepare Neeru Majjige and Belada paanaka for Rama navami tomorrow... Thanks for sharing the recipe :)

Pavithra Kodical said...

When i was in Udupi i use to drink this a lot in summer.We call this neeru majjige :)

Srividya said...

Yes, Neer mor has several variations in different parts of india. Louise, the turkish drink is called ayran.

~~louise~~ said...

Thank you Srividya..I really appreciate it:)

Ashwini said...

Hi Raaga,

Happy Raamnavami. I had tasted Buttermilk once when I was a kid and never tasted it again :(

My mom however likes buttermilk. Will share this recipe with her.

Cheerz!
Ashwini.