Barnyard Millet Sweet Pongal Recipe (Kuthiraivali Sakkarai Pongal)
A traditional South Indian treat, Barnyard Millet Sweet Pongal (or Kuthiraivali Sakkarai Pongal) is a delightful and wholesome dessert that is not only rich in flavors but also in nutrients. Made using barnyard millet, moong dal, jaggery, ghee, and cashew nuts, this dish is a perfect choice for any festive occasion, special gatherings, or simply as an indulgent snack to enjoy at any time of the day.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barnyard Millet | 3/4 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/4 cup |
| Jaggery | 1 cup |
| Cardamom Powder (Elaichi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
| Cashew Nuts (halved) | 2 tablespoons |
| Edible Camphor (Pacha Karpooram) | A pinch |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings
- Serves: 4 people
Cuisine
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: South Indian Breakfast
- Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Roasting the Millet and Dal:
Begin by dry roasting the barnyard millet and yellow moong dal together in a pressure cooker. Keep stirring as they roast, ensuring an even distribution of heat. You’ll know they’re ready when you can smell the roasted aroma, signaling that they are perfectly toasted.
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Pressure Cooking:
Once the millet and dal are roasted, add 3 cups of water to the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook on high heat until you hear 3 whistles. After the third whistle, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. Once the pressure has released, open the lid and stir the mixture until it becomes soft and mushy. This creates the base for your Pongal. -
Preparing the Jaggery Syrup:
While the millet and dal are cooking, take 1 cup of jaggery and dissolve it in 1/2 cup of water. Bring it to a boil, stirring occasionally. Once the jaggery has fully dissolved, strain it through a fine sieve to remove any impurities. Set the jaggery syrup aside for later use. -
Flavoring the Pongal:
Add the strained jaggery syrup, 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom powder, and a pinch of edible camphor to the cooked millet and dal mixture. Place the mixture over medium heat and stir continuously until everything is well combined, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Roasting the Cashews:
In a small frying pan, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the halved cashew nuts and fry them until they turn golden brown and become crisp. Be careful not to burn them, as they add a crunchy texture to the dish. -
Final Mixing:
Add the roasted cashews and ghee to the cooked millet-dal mixture. Stir well to incorporate everything. Allow the Pongal to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat for the flavors to combine fully. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Turn off the heat and serve the Barnyard Millet Sweet Pongal hot, garnished with the roasted cashews. It can be enjoyed as a sweet dish after a hearty South Indian meal or served as a snack, especially for kids, due to its mild sweetness and rich texture.
Serving Suggestions
Barnyard Millet Sweet Pongal is a perfect addition to any Indian festive meal. You can serve it as a dessert after a traditional lunch, or it can be enjoyed as an evening snack with a cup of warm tea or coffee. It’s also a healthy choice for breakfast, especially for those seeking gluten-free or low-glycemic-index alternatives to traditional Pongal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 20 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximations and may vary based on exact ingredient measurements and portion sizes.)
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This Kuthiraivali Sakkarai Pongal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Barnyard millet is a great gluten-free alternative to rice and is rich in fiber and antioxidants. Combined with the protein-rich yellow moong dal and the natural sweetness of jaggery, this Pongal makes for a filling and nourishing dish. The addition of cardamom and edible camphor gives it a unique flavor, while the crispy cashews offer a delightful crunch.
Perfect for those following vegetarian or gluten-free diets, this South Indian recipe is an excellent way to incorporate healthy grains into your diet while indulging in a sweet, traditional treat.
Try this Barnyard Millet Sweet Pongal recipe the next time you’re craving something rich, flavorful, and full of wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re celebrating a festival or just looking for a comforting treat, this dish is sure to impress!
