Authentic Ven Pongal

Ingredients

Rice

1 cup

Moong dal

1/2 cup

Salt

to taste

Ghee

3 tablespoons

Cumin seeds

1 teaspoon

Black pepper

1 teaspoon

Ginger

1 tablespoon, finely chopped

Curry leaves

10-12 leaves

Cashew nuts

1/4 cup

Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash the rice and moong dal together under running water until the water runs clear.
2. Place the washed rice and dal in a pressure cooker, add 4 cups of water and cook for 4 whistles on medium heat.
3. While the rice and dal are cooking, prepare the tempering. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add the cumin seeds and black pepper to the pan. Fry until they begin to sizzle and pop.
5. Add the finely chopped ginger, curry leaves, and cashew nuts to the pan. Continue to fry until the cashew nuts turn a golden brown color.
6. Once the pressure cooker has cooled down, open the lid and fluff the rice and dal mixture with a fork.
7. Add the prepared tempering to the cooked rice and dal mixture. Mix well to combine.
8. Add salt to taste, and give the mixture one final stir.
9. Serve your Ven Pongal hot, accompanied by sambar and chutney for a truly authentic South Indian experience.