Sweet and Spicy Pongal (ಪೊಂಗಲ್)

Pongal is a traditional South Indian dish that is often made during the harvest festival of Pongal. This Sweet and Spicy Pongal recipe brings together the flavors of jaggery, spices, and ghee to create a delicious and comforting dish.

Sweet and Spicy Pongal (ಪೊಂಗಲ್)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rice
  • 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal
  • 1 cup jaggery
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 2 tbsp ghee
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 inch ginger, grated
  • A pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash the rice and moong dal together and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the washed rice and moong dal to the boiling water and cook until soft.
  3. In a separate pan, melt the jaggery with a little water to make a syrup. Strain the syrup to remove any impurities.
  4. Add the jaggery syrup to the cooked rice and dal mixture. Stir well to combine.
  5. In a small pan, heat the ghee and add the cashews and raisins. Fry until the cashews turn golden brown and the raisins plump up. Add this to the pongal mixture.
  6. Add the ground cardamom, black pepper, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt to the pongal. Mix well and simmer for a few minutes.
  7. Once the flavors have melded together, remove from heat and serve hot.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
20 minutes
Total time:
30 minutes
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300
Carbohydrates
50g
Protein
5g
Fat
10g

Supplies

Large pot Small pan

Tools

Stove Strainer

Serving suggestions

Serve the Sweet and Spicy Pongal with a side of coconut chutney and sambar for a complete meal.

Tips & tricks

To enhance the flavor, you can also add a pinch of edible camphor (pacha karpooram) to the pongal.

Cost

$5