Sweet Ulundhu Kanji Recipe | Urad Dal Porridge: A Nourishing South Indian Breakfast Delight
Sweet Ulundhu Kanji, also known as Urad Dal Porridge, is a comforting and protein-packed dish that is popular in South Indian cuisine. This dish is traditionally enjoyed as a wholesome breakfast or light meal and is perfect for those seeking a healthy, satisfying start to their day. The blend of white urad dal (split black gram), jaggery, fresh coconut, and cardamom creates a wonderfully smooth and slightly sweet porridge. Let’s dive into the recipe for this delectable dish!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup (soaked for 30 minutes) |
| Water | 4 cups |
| Jaggery | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 3 (pounded) |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 |
| Protein | ~6g |
| Carbohydrates | ~28g |
| Fat | ~2g |
| Fiber | ~4g |
| Sugars | ~16g |
| Sodium | ~15mg |
| Potassium | ~220mg |
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 5
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Breakfast
Diet: High Protein, Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Soak the Urad Dal
Begin by washing the white urad dal thoroughly and soaking it in water for about 30 minutes. This step helps soften the dal, making it easier to blend and cook. -
-
Grind the Urad Dal
After 30 minutes, drain the urad dal and transfer it to a blender. Add the three pounded cardamom pods or seeds and a small amount of water. Blend everything into a smooth paste, adding just enough water to achieve a creamy consistency. Set the paste aside. -
Prepare the Jaggery Water
In a separate pan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add jaggery and allow it to dissolve completely. To ensure purity, strain the jaggery water to remove any impurities. Place the strained jaggery water back on the stove and bring it to a simmer over low heat. -
Combine the Urad Dal Paste with Jaggery Water
Slowly add the urad dal paste into the simmering jaggery water. Stir continuously to ensure that the paste mixes evenly without forming lumps. This process should take about 4-5 minutes on medium heat. -
Cook the Porridge
Continue cooking the mixture while stirring gently. As it cooks, the porridge will begin to thicken, taking on a smooth and creamy texture. Stir consistently to prevent any lumps from forming. -
Add the Grated Coconut
Once the porridge reaches a thick and smooth consistency, remove it from the heat. Stir in the freshly grated coconut for added richness and flavor. -
Serve and Enjoy
Your Sweet Ulundhu Kanji | Urad Dal Porridge is now ready to be served! Ladle the warm porridge into individual bowls and enjoy it as a hearty breakfast. The combination of the earthy urad dal, the sweetness of jaggery, and the fragrant coconut makes this dish both delicious and nourishing.
Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can increase or decrease the amount of jaggery used in this recipe. If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the jaggery by half.
- Flavor Boost: For an additional flavor boost, you can add a pinch of dry ginger powder or a few saffron strands while cooking the porridge.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner consistency, simply add more water while cooking the porridge to achieve your desired texture.
- Serving Ideas: Serve this porridge as part of a traditional South Indian breakfast, along with other dishes like idli, dosa, or vada for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Ulundhu Kanji Recipe:
Sweet Ulundhu Kanji is more than just a breakfast dish; it’s a blend of nutrition and comfort. Packed with protein from the urad dal and natural sweetness from jaggery, it’s perfect for those looking for a hearty and filling start to their day. The addition of grated coconut adds richness, while the cardamom lends a fragrant, warming aroma. Whether you’re looking for a healthy breakfast or a satisfying snack, this porridge is sure to hit the spot.
Enjoy this South Indian delicacy and feel nourished with every bite!
