Pongal, the vibrant South Indian harvest festival, is a time for traditional festivities and a wonderful occasion to come together with loved ones and enjoy a delectable feast. As you celebrate the spirit of Pongal, why not add a special touch to your festivities with these five mouth-watering recipes that will delight your taste buds and create lasting memories with your nearest and dearest?
Sweet Pongal:
Begin your Pongal celebration on a sweet note with the classic Sweet Pongal, also known as Sakkarai Pongal. Made with freshly harvested rice, jaggery, ghee, and aromatic spices, this dish symbolizes the sweetness and prosperity associated with the festival. Garnish it with cashews and raisins for an extra crunch and serve it warm to your loved ones.
Sweet Pongal by Chef- Nitish Chandra Phani, Executive Chef The Tamara Kodai
Ingredients:
Raw Rice 100 grams
Grated Jagger 50 grams
Yellow Moong Dal 25 grams
Cardamom Powder 02 grams
Broken Cashewnuts 05 grams
Raisins 03 grams
Ghee 10 grams
Grated Coconut 10 grams
Water for boiling 300 ml
Method:
Wash rice and yellow moong dal thoroughly in cold water.
Boil water in a hot pan, add the washed rice and dal, and cook.
Once the dal and rice boil completely cooked and soft, add grated to the mix.
Add half the quantity of ghee mentioned and stir together till the jaggery combines into the rice and dal mixture.
In a frying pan, heat the remaining ghee and sauté broken cashew nuts and raisins on a low flame till they are golden brown. Add this to the pongal.
Sprinkle grated coconut and cardamom powder over the mix.
Stir again and serve hot in a bowl.
Ven Pongal:
For a savory treat, indulge in the comforting flavors of Ven Pongal. This dish, made with rice and lentils, is seasoned with black pepper, cumin, and ghee, creating a hearty and flavorful porridge. Serve it with coconut chutney and sambar for a complete and satisfying Pongal meal that your family will relish.
Ingredients:
1 cup rice
1/4 cup split yellow moong dal
1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
1 tablespoon oil
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, coarsely crushed
1/2 inch ginger, finely chopped
10-12 cashews
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
2-3 green chillies, finely chopped
8-10 curry leaves
Salt to taste
4 cups water
Chopped coriander leaves for garnish
Method:
Wash rice and moong dal together, then soak it in water for 20-30 minutes.
Heat ghee and oil in a pressure cooker and saute cumin seeds, crushed black pepper, ginger, and cashews together until golden brown.
Add asafoetida, chopped green chillies, and curry leaves.
Add rice and dal to the cooker, and saute for 2-3 minutes.
Add water and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium-low flame.
Mash the pongal well and garnish with coriander.
Serve hot and enjoy your Ven Pongal with friends and family this Pongal 2024.
Coconut Chutney:
No Pongal feast is complete without the quintessential Coconut Chutney.
Blend fresh coconut, green chilies, roasted gram, and a hint of tangy tamarind to create a creamy and zesty accompaniment. The coconut chutney perfectly complements the earthy flavors of Pongal dishes and adds freshness to your festive spread.
Sambar:
Elevate your Pongal celebration with a flavorful and nutritious Sambar. Made with a medley of vegetables, lentils, and a fragrant blend of spices, sambar adds a delicious depth to your Pongal meal. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or poured generously over Ven Pongal, this South Indian staple is a crowd-pleaser.
Jaggery Payasam:
Conclude your Pongal feast on a sweet and satisfying note with Jaggery Payasam. This rich and creamy dessert, made with jaggery, rice, milk, and flavored with cardamom and nuts, is a decadent way to celebrate the sweetness of the festival. Share this delightful payasam with your loved ones, symbolizing the joy and abundance that Pongal brings.
Pongal is a time to express gratitude for the bountiful harvest and celebrate the warmth of togetherness with family and friends. These five Pongal recipes, blending tradition with a modern twist, offer a diverse and delightful culinary experience. As you savor these dishes with your loved ones, may your Pongal celebration be filled with joy, laughter, and the aromatic goodness of these festive treats. Happy Pongal!
