Sweet Pongal with Thai Jasmine Rice and Palm Sugar Recipe
Quick, Healthier, and Flavorful South Indian Delight
Festivals are often busy, and when they coincide with working days, it’s easy to feel like youโre missing out on the joy of traditional sweet treats. But what if you could whip up a delicious, healthier version of a classic festival dessert that doesnโt take hours in the kitchen? Thatโs where this Sweet Pongal with Thai Jasmine Rice and Palm Sugar comes in! With the fragrance of cardamom and jasmine rice, the natural sweetness of palm sugar, and the rich flavor of saffron, this dish makes the perfect treat for any special occasion, without the extra hassle.
This version saves time and energy with simple cooking techniques and minimal cleanup. With the use of an electric cooker, powdered palm sugar, and a straightforward one-pot method, the process becomes incredibly efficient. Additionally, by opting for brown jasmine rice and palm sugar, youโre making the dish healthier without compromising on flavor. The rich, aromatic flavor of Sweet Pongal comes from a combination of fragrant jasmine rice, split yellow moong dal, milk, and ghee, while a hint of cardamom and saffron provides the perfect spice balance.
Whether itโs for a busy festival or just a sweet craving, this dish is sure to win hearts with its ease of preparation and delectable taste!
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thai Jasmine Rice | 2 cups | Use brown rice for a healthier option. |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 5 pods | Lightly crushed for flavor. |
| Palm Sugar (Powdered) | 1-1/2 cups | Readymade powdered form for convenience. |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1/2 cup | Washed before cooking. |
| Water | As required | Adjust water as per the rice cookerโs instructions. |
| Milk | 1-1/4 cups | Use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative. |
| Cashew Nuts | As required | For tempering, lightly roasted. |
| Sultana Raisins | As required | Optional, but adds sweetness and texture. |
| Ghee | As required | For tempering and richness. |
| Kesar Milk Masala | A pinch (optional) | Adds an extra aromatic touch. |
| Saffron Strands | Few | Soaked in milk for color and fragrance. |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 75 minutes
Instructions
-
Preparing the Rice and Dal:
Begin by washing 2 cups of Thai jasmine rice thoroughly and adding it to the electric cooker. Wash 1/2 cup of yellow moong dal and add it to the cooker as well. Make sure to add enough water to cook both the rice and dal together. -
Adding the Aromatics and Sweetness:
Lightly crush 5 cardamom pods and add them to the rice and dal mixture. Then, add 1-1/2 cups of powdered palm sugar, a pinch of kesar milk masala (optional for a hint of extra flavor), and a few saffron strands soaked in milk for color and fragrance. Stir the mixture well to ensure everything is evenly distributed. -
Cooking:
Set the cooker to cook for about 15 minutes or until the rice and dal are tender and well-cooked. Once the cooking cycle is complete, remove the mixture and mash it gently with 1-1/4 cups of milk, creating a smooth and creamy texture. -
Tempering with Ghee:
While the rice and dal are cooking, heat ghee in a tadka pan. Add cashew nuts and sultana raisins, sautรฉing them for about 30 seconds until golden and aromatic. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish. -
Final Mixing:
Once the ghee-tempered cashews and raisins are ready, add them to the cooked rice-dal mixture and stir well to combine. Let the sweetness and richness meld together for a few minutes. -
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Sweet Pongal with Thai Jasmine Rice and Palm Sugar warm during festivals or as a delightful treat for special occasions. It pairs beautifully with other traditional desserts like Milk Kesari or Ada Pradhaman for a complete festive spread.
Allergen Information
- Contains Nuts: Cashew nuts are used for tempering.
- Contains Dairy: Milk and ghee are used in this recipe.
- Gluten-Free: The recipe does not contain gluten, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Dietary Preferences
- Vegetarian: This recipe is completely vegetarian, making it suitable for vegetarians and those looking to reduce meat consumption.
- Vegan Option: To make this dish vegan, substitute the milk with a plant-based milk (such as almond or coconut milk) and replace ghee with vegetable oil or coconut oil.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use non-dairy milk and ghee alternatives to make the dish dairy-free.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
Tips & Variations
-
Rice Choice: While Thai jasmine rice adds a fragrant touch, you can also use other types of brown rice for a more earthy flavor. Just be sure to adjust the water quantity based on the rice variety.
-
Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of palm sugar to suit your sweetness preference. Palm sugar provides a rich, natural sweetness, but you can reduce or increase the quantity as needed.
-
Saffron & Kesar Masala: If you want a more intense saffron flavor, feel free to increase the saffron strands. The kesar milk masala is optional but recommended for its lovely fragrance.
-
Nuts & Dried Fruits: You can add other nuts like almonds or pistachios to the tempering mix. Similarly, dried fruits like apricots or figs can also be added for variation.
-
Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of indulgence, serve this Sweet Pongal with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or top it with a sprinkle of coconut flakes. Itโs also delicious on its own as a satisfying dessert.
Conclusion
This Sweet Pongal with Thai Jasmine Rice and Palm Sugar recipe is the perfect way to celebrate festivals or simply enjoy a delicious and nourishing dessert. By incorporating healthier ingredients like brown rice and palm sugar, this version brings a modern twist to a beloved traditional dish without compromising on taste. With its warm spices, creamy texture, and rich flavor, itโs a dessert thatโs both comforting and festiveโideal for busy days when you still want to indulge in something special.
Enjoy this wholesome and easy-to-make treat that beautifully balances tradition and modern convenience. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a dish that will undoubtedly bring joy to your table!
