Ven Pongal Recipe – South Indian Rice and Lentil Pudding
(Authentic South Indian Breakfast Recipe)
Ven Pongal is a beloved traditional South Indian breakfast, often enjoyed in households across the region. This dish is a part of the grand Pongal festival, a four-day celebration held primarily in Tamil Nadu and parts of South India. The word “Pongal” in Tamil refers to the act of boiling and spilling over, which is symbolically considered auspicious. A typical Pongal dish is often prepared in clay pots, with milk spilling over being a sign of prosperity and blessings. Ven Pongal is savory, comforting, and full of flavor, making it the perfect start to the day.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: South Indian Breakfast
Diet: High Protein Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Yellow Moong Dal | 1 cup |
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 2 tbsp (for tempering) |
| Cumin Seeds | 1 tsp |
| Black Peppercorns | 1 tsp, crushed |
| Ginger (Fresh) | 1-inch piece, grated |
| Cashews | 2 tbsp, halved |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
-
Cook the Dal and Rice:
- Begin by adding 2 tablespoons of ghee to a pressure cooker.
- Once the ghee is heated, add the yellow moong dal and sauté for a minute until the dal is lightly toasted.
- Now, add the rice to the cooker, followed by 5 cups of water and salt to taste. Stir everything together.
- Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the mixture on high heat for 1 whistle. After the first whistle, reduce the heat and let it cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- Once done, turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
-
Prepare the Tempering (Tadka):
- In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee.
- Add cashews and fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp.
- Add cumin seeds, crushed black peppercorns, grated ginger, and curry leaves. Let them sizzle for about 10 seconds.
- Turn off the heat and immediately add this tempering to the cooked rice and dal mixture in the pressure cooker.
-
Mix and Serve:
- Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of ghee to the Pongal and mix well, ensuring all the ingredients are combined.
- Serve the warm and aromatic Ven Pongal as a hearty breakfast, perfect for a traditional South Indian meal.
- Ven Pongal pairs beautifully with crispy vadas, tangy sambar, and a steaming cup of filter coffee.
Serving Suggestion:
Enjoy Ven Pongal with crispy vadas, a bowl of sambar, and filter coffee for an authentic South Indian breakfast experience. The balance of flavors and textures makes it a satisfying and delicious start to the day.
Ven Pongal is a versatile dish that can also be served as a comforting snack or even as part of a festive spread. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a part of the rich cultural heritage of South India. Whether you’re enjoying it on a special occasion or as a quick, wholesome meal, this recipe is sure to delight!
