ven pongal recipe | khara pongal | pongal South Indian breakfast recipe |

ven pongal recipe | khara pongal | pongal South Indian breakfast recipe | with 23 amazing images.

Ven Pongal is South India’s equivalent of the North Indian khichdi. Cooked rice and moong dal are flavoured with ginger, crushed peppercorns and cumin seeds, and garnished with ghee-roasted cashew nuts and curry leaves.

To make ven pongal, heat a small non-stick pan, add the yellow moong dal and dry roast on a medium flame for 3 minutes. Wash the dry roasted yellow moong dal and rice. Combine the moong dal- rice mixture, asafoetida, ½ tsp of cumin seeds, ginger, salt and 3 cups of water in a pressure cooker, mix well and pressure cook for 5 whistles. Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Add ½ cup of hot water and mix well. Keep aside. Heat the ghee in a small non-stick pan and add the remaining 1 tsp of cumin seeds and sauté on a medium flame for 30 seconds. Add the cashew nuts, coarsely crushed peppercorns and curry leaves and sauté on a medium flame for 30 seconds. Add the tempering to the dal-rice mixture and mix well. Serve immediately with ghee.

Khara pongal has a unique flavour and consistency, which are rich yet soothing. It is made as an offering to Gods during pujas, especially in the month of Margazhi or Dhanurmasa, which extends from mid-December to mid-January. Many families follow the practice of making this dish in an earthen pot during the Pongal festival celebrated in South India in mid-January.

Hot and spicy pongal South Indian breakfast recipe dripping with ghee tastes heavenly in the cold winter mornings – just one small serving feels like a feast! Interestingly, this seemingly divine recipe is also a common breakfast item, which you get in all restaurants and even morning trains.

Tips for ven pongal. 1. Pressure cook till the mixture is slightly mushy. 2. If you are serving it after some time, then add a little more water to adjust the consistency, re-heat and serve.

Try other South Indian recipes like Chakkra Pongal or South Indian Stir Fry Rice.

Enjoy ven pongal recipe | khara pongal | pongal South Indian breakfast recipe | with step by step photos.