Karnataka Style Huggi (Rice and Moong Dal Savory Porridge) Recipe
Karnataka Style Huggi is a traditional dish hailing from the coastal region of Karnataka, particularly popular during the Sri Krishna Matt Festival celebrated in Udupi. Often compared to the famous Tamil dish Kara Pongal, Huggi is a comforting, savory porridge made with rice and yellow moong dal (split mung beans). This dish is typically served with Tamarind Gojju, a tangy tamarind-based gravy, which perfectly complements the rich, subtle flavors of the Huggi. Whether served for lunch or as part of a festive spread, this dish brings warmth and tradition to your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Yellow Moong Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 Pods/Seeds |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch piece |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice and Moong Dal:
Begin by washing the rice and yellow moong dal under cold water to remove any excess starch. In a pressure cooker, add the washed rice, moong dal, and 3 cups of water. Season with a pinch of salt. Close the lid of the cooker and cook on high for about 3 whistles. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker carefully. -
-
Add Spices:
To the cooked rice and moong dal mixture, add turmeric powder, cardamom pods, and a cinnamon stick. Stir well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to cook on low heat for another 5-7 minutes until the rice and dal are soft and the flavors have melded together. -
Seasoning the Huggi:
In a small frying pan (kadai), heat the ghee over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 cardamom pod and another small piece of cinnamon stick to the ghee. Let the spices crackle for a few seconds, infusing the ghee with their rich aromas. Pour this seasoned ghee over the rice and moong dal mixture. Stir gently to incorporate the ghee and spices into the Huggi. -
Serving:
Serve the Huggi warm, accompanied by Karnataka Style Tamarind Gojju for a tangy contrast and Dry Palak Dal Sabzi for a wholesome meal. This dish is perfect for lunch or as part of a festive spread, bringing a unique flavor of Karnataka’s culinary heritage to your home.
Tips for the Perfect Huggi:
- Adjust the consistency of Huggi by adding more water if you prefer a softer, more porridge-like texture.
- For extra flavor, you can also add a pinch of black pepper and a few curry leaves when preparing the seasoning ghee.
- Tamarind Gojju is a must-serve with Huggi, as the tangy, spicy gravy pairs beautifully with the earthy flavors of the rice and dal.
Enjoy the authentic taste of Karnataka with this easy-to-make, wholesome Huggi recipe!
