Teresa's Recipes
Pongal
Pongal is a beloved traditional South Indian dish, celebrated for its comforting and nourishing qualities. This delightful combination of rice and yellow moong dal is seasoned with aromatic spices and a touch of ghee, making it the perfect dish for breakfast or lunch. Often enjoyed during festivals and special occasions, Pongal embodies the warmth of South Indian hospitality and is often served with coconut chutney or sambar for added flavor.
Ingredients
- to taste Salt
- 10-12 leaves Curry leaves
- 1-inch piece, grated Ginger
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon Black peppercorns
- 1/4 cup Cashews
- 2 tablespoons Ghee
- 4 cups Water
- 1 cup Yellow moong dal
- 1 cup Rice
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 14g
- Carbs: 40g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Sugar: 1g
Instructions
- Begin by washing the rice and yellow moong dal together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for 10 minutes to soften.
- In a pressure cooker, combine the soaked rice and dal with 4 cups of water.
- Seal the pressure cooker and cook for 4-5 whistles or until the rice and dal are well cooked, soft, and mushy.
- While the rice and dal are cooking, heat ghee in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the cashews and fry them until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the black peppercorns and cumin seeds, allowing them to sizzle for a few seconds. Then add the grated ginger and curry leaves, sautéing for about a minute until fragrant.
- Carefully add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the pan with the spices, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Season with salt to taste, stirring again to ensure even seasoning.
- Garnish with the fried cashews and serve hot, optionally pairing with coconut chutney or sambar for a complete meal.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, you can add a dash of turmeric powder while cooking the rice and dal.
- Feel free to customize Pongal by adding vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition.
- Pongal can be enjoyed with a drizzle of ghee on top for an extra indulgent touch.