Ven Pongal
Ven Pongal, a comforting South Indian classic, brings together the soothing creaminess of short-grain rice and yellow moong dal with the aromatic punch of spices and herbs. This quick and easy one-pot recipe is elevated with a vibrant tempering of ghee, cumin seeds, peppercorns, crunchy cashews, and fragrant curry leaves, creating an irresistible blend of flavors. The addition of ginger, green chilies, and asafoetida ensures a warm, tangy finish to this savory dish that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner. Ready in under 40 minutes, Ven Pongal is also naturally gluten-free and pairs beautifully with tangy coconut chutney or spicy sambar. This hearty dish embodies comfort food at its best and is a must-try for fans of traditional Indian cuisine.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain rice
- 0.5 cup yellow moong dal
- 4 cups water
- 3 tablespoons ghee
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger
- 8 leaves curry leaves
- 2 small green chilies
- 10 cashew nuts
- 0.25 teaspoon asafoetida
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Rinse the rice and yellow moong dal together thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear.
In a large pot, combine the rice, moong dal, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice and dal are cooked and mushy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
In a small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and black peppercorns. Sauté briefly until the cumin seeds start to splutter.
Add the grated ginger, slit green chilies, cashew nuts, and curry leaves to the pan. Fry until the cashews are golden brown.
Add the asafoetida to the pan and mix well.
Pour the tempered spice mixture over the cooked rice and moong dal. Add salt and mix everything together gently.
Simmer the pongal for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve hot, garnished with a drizzle of ghee if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
649 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.2 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.5 g | 62% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 30 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 509 mg | 22% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 51.8 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.8 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.4 g | ||
| Protein | 20.5 g | 41% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 87 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 6.8 mg | 38% | |
| Potassium | 833 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
