Sakkare Millet Pongal – A Sweet South Indian Delight
Sakkare Millet Pongal is a traditional South Indian dessert that’s rich in flavors and textures, made with wholesome millet, milk, jaggery, and a variety of aromatic spices and dry fruits. This simple yet indulgent dish is the perfect way to end a hearty meal, and its natural sweetness from jaggery makes it a healthier alternative to other sugar-laden desserts. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a vegetarian treat that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love Sakkare Millet Pongal:
Sakkare Millet Pongal is not only a comforting dish, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits. The foxtail millet is a gluten-free grain, offering fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. Coupled with the goodness of jaggery and milk, this dessert is a fantastic choice for those wanting a dessert that’s naturally sweet and wholesome. The crunchy dry fruits and aromatic cardamom elevate this simple dish into something truly special.
Here’s the recipe to make this indulgent yet nourishing South Indian dessert.
Ingredients for Sakkare Millet Pongal:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Foxtail Millet (washed) | 1 cup |
| Skimmed Milk | 1/2 liter |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Powdered Jaggery | 1/2 cup |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Mixed Dry Fruits (cashews, raisins) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Dry Coconut (kopra) (optional) | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
40 minutes
Servings:
4
Cuisine:
South Indian
Course:
Dessert
Diet:
Vegetarian
How to Make Sakkare Millet Pongal:
Step 1: Cook the Millet
Begin by heating the milk and 1 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the milk is warm, add the washed foxtail millet to the pan. Reduce the heat and let the millet cook gently. Stir occasionally, ensuring the millet becomes tender and absorbs the milk, creating a creamy base for your pongal.
Step 2: Prepare the Jaggery Syrup
In a separate, heavy-bottomed pan, combine the powdered jaggery and the remaining 1 cup of water. Heat this mixture on a low flame, stirring frequently. Allow the jaggery to dissolve completely, and then let the syrup come to a gentle boil. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Once it starts boiling, you’ll have a rich, golden syrup ready to infuse into the pongal.
Step 3: Combine Millet and Jaggery Syrup
Once the millet is soft and cooked through, pour the jaggery syrup into the pan with the millet. Mix gently, ensuring the syrup coats the millet evenly. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and begins to leave the sides of the pan. This process should take about 10–12 minutes. The consistency should be somewhat pudding-like, but not too runny.
Step 4: Add Cardamom and Ghee
Once the mixture comes together and thickens, switch off the heat. Add freshly ground cardamom powder to the mixture for a fragrant aroma. Stir well to ensure the cardamom is evenly distributed throughout the pongal.
Step 5: Fry the Dry Fruits
In a small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot, add the mixed dry fruits – cashews and raisins – to the pan. Fry them until the cashews turn golden brown and the raisins plump up. This will take about 3–4 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Pour the ghee-fried dry fruits over the cooked millet pongal and mix gently. If you’re using dry coconut (kopra), you can grate it and sprinkle it on top for an extra burst of flavor and texture. Serve the Sakkare Millet Pongal hot, and enjoy this sweet and hearty South Indian dessert on its own or as part of a larger festive meal.
Nutritional Information:
This recipe serves 4 people. Below is the estimated nutritional information per serving:
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 1.2mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements used.
Tips for the Best Sakkare Millet Pongal:
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Milk Alternatives: You can substitute skimmed milk with plant-based alternatives like almond milk or coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option.
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Jaggery Variations: While powdered jaggery is traditionally used for its rich flavor, you can also use grated jaggery or block jaggery. Just ensure it’s finely grated or dissolved well in the water.
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Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter dish, feel free to adjust the quantity of jaggery according to your taste. You can also use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a different flavor profile.
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Ghee Flavor: Ghee is key to giving this dish its traditional South Indian flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can reduce the ghee or opt for a coconut oil substitute.
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Dry Fruits and Garnishes: Customize the dry fruits as per your preference. You can use almonds, pistachios, or even dried apricots. The dry coconut garnish is optional, but it adds a nice texture and flavor if you choose to include it.
Serving Suggestions:
Sakkare Millet Pongal is best served hot, making it perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting end to any South Indian meal. It pairs wonderfully with other traditional South Indian dishes like dosa, idli, or sambar. You can also enjoy it as a standalone dessert after a simple meal or as a festive treat during special occasions.
Final Thoughts:
Sakkare Millet Pongal is a delightful dessert that brings together the richness of milk, the natural sweetness of jaggery, and the earthiness of foxtail millet. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also nourishes your body with wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking to indulge after a hearty South Indian meal or simply craving something warm and sweet, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Try this easy and delicious recipe at home, and let the comforting flavors of Sakkare Millet Pongal transport you to the heart of South India!
