Mumbai: Ven Pongal, also known as Khara Pongal, is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made with raw rice and yellow moong dal (pasi paruppu in Tamil). Often described as an ‘Indian risotto,’ this creamy combination of rice and lentils is commonly offered as prasadam in South Indian temples, where the authentic taste can be best experienced. Although its roots are in Tamil Nadu, Ven Pongal is enjoyed throughout other South Indian states as well.
Typically served in the morning, this dish pairs wonderfully with sambar and coconut chutneys. It is often part of a breakfast combo alongside dosa, idli, or vada, but can also be enjoyed as a simple meal with just chutney or sambar for added flavour.
Ven Pongal Recipe Iyengar style
Discover the authentic Iyengar-style Ven Pongal recipe, a traditional South Indian dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavour. It is a must-try recipe for anyone looking to experience the true essence of South Indian cuisine.
Ven Pongal recipe Iyengar style ingredients
(Iyengar Pongal with Traditional Chutney)
Ingredients for Pongal
1 cup short-grain rice (Sona Masoori recommended)
1/2 cup split yellow dal (moong dal)
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
1/2 cup low-fat milk (optional)
Ingredients for tempering
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp coarsely crushed black pepper
1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing)
2-3 tbsp desiccated coconut or grated dry coconut
10-12 cashews (broken)
4-6 tsp ghee
Ingredients for Chutney:
1 cup grated coconut (fresh or frozen)
1-2 green chillies
Small handful of cilantro
Almond-sized tamarind
Salt to taste
Ingredients for Chutney tempering:
1 tsp peanut oil
1/2 tsp mustard seeds
1/8 tsp asafoetida
Ven Pongal Recipe
Dry roast the yellow lentils in a thick-bottomed pan over medium heat until golden and fragrant.
Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Cook the washed rice and roasted lentils with turmeric and 4 times the water (or 5 1/2 cups water and 1/2 cup milk) in a pressure cooker for 2-3 whistles. Alternatively, you can cook them in an open pot by bringing water to a boil, then adding rice and lentils, stirring intermittently to prevent boiling over. Simmer until fully cooked, adding more water if necessary.
While the rice and lentils cook, grate the coconut and prepare the seasoning ingredients. Also, make the chutney.
Heat ghee in the same pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add cumin seeds. Once they sizzle, add cashews and fry until golden brown. Reduce the heat, then add asafoetida, crushed black pepper, and grated dry coconut. Quickly add the cooked lentil-rice mixture, and salt, and mix well.
Ven Pongal Chutney Recipe
For the chutney, grind the coconut, green chillies, cilantro, tamarind, and salt with water to a smooth paste. Set aside.
Once the rice and lentils are cooked, mash the mixture to a creamy consistency using a whisk.
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan on high heat. Add mustard seeds. Once they start spluttering, reduce the heat, add asafoetida, and immediately pour this over the chutney. Wipe the pan clean with a tissue using tongs.
Serve the hot Pongal with coconut chutney or with your favourite pickle.
Points to remember
Use high-quality ghee. Ghee plays a crucial role in seasoning Pongal, contributing to its authentic taste and texture. Without it, the dish loses its characteristic richness.
The creamy texture of Pongal comes from short-grain rice, which absorbs liquids well and releases starch, so avoid using long-grain or aromatic rice like Basmati if you want to achieve the traditional consistency.
If needed, adjust the consistency by adding warm water or milk. The typical rice-to-lentil ratio is 2:1 and 3-4 times water, but you can adjust based on preference.
The potency of asafoetida varies by brand, so use it carefully to match your taste.
(Recipe by Just Homemade)
Learn how to make Ven Pongal recipe Iyengar style with this step-by-step guide. Using simple ingredients like rice, moong dal, and spices, this traditional South Indian dish is creamy, flavourful, and easy to prepare. Food & Drink Lifestyle News -Fashion Trends, Beauty Tips, Celebrity Party News, Relationship advice, Travel and Food Tips
