18 Simple South Indian Pongal Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
Pongal is a popular South Indian dish that is traditionally made during the harvest festival of the same name. This delicious and hearty dish is made with simple ingredients and is packed with flavor and nutrients. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a simple South Indian Pongal recipe that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Popular South Indian breakfast pongal with foxtail...
Main Ingredients: Millet, Moong Dal, Black Peppercorn, Salt, Water
Starting off our list is a healthy and delicious variation of the traditional South Indian breakfast dish, Pongal. Made with foxtail millet, this version of Pongal is packed with nutrients and is perfect for those looking for a healthier option. The millet adds a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture to this creamy and comforting dish, making it a must-try for any Pongal lover.
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Ven Pongal, a savory South Indian rice and lentil...
Main Ingredients: Rice, Moong Dal, Coconut Oil, Cumin Seeds, Black
Ven Pongal is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made with rice and lentils, and is a staple in many households. This savory dish is seasoned with a special blend of spices and topped with cashews and curry leaves for added flavor and crunch. It's a must-try for anyone looking to experience the authentic flavors of South Indian cuisine.
Potatoes are a staple in South Indian cuisine and this curry is a delicious and comforting way to enjoy them. Made with a rich and flavorful gravy of coconut milk and spices, this potato curry is perfect for those craving a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it with some steamed rice or flatbread for a complete meal.
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Indian Chickpea Coconut Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Curry
This flavorful and creamy curry is a vegan and gluten-free twist on the traditional South Indian chickpea curry. Made with coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish is perfect for those looking for a healthier and plant-based option. It's also great for meal prep as it can be made in large batches and frozen for later use.
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South Indian paruppu
Main Ingredients: Water, Turmeric, Asafoetida, Salt, Oil, Mustard, Urad
Paruppu, or lentil curry, is a staple in South Indian cuisine and is enjoyed in many different variations. This particular recipe features a blend of lentils and a hearty mix of spices, making it a flavorful and comforting dish. Serve it with some steamed rice and a side of vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
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South Indian Coconut Rice
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Curry Leaves, Coconut Oil, Dried
Coconut rice is a simple yet delicious side dish that pairs well with many South Indian curries and stews. It's made by cooking rice in coconut milk, along with a few aromatic spices, giving it a subtle yet distinct flavor. It's perfect for those looking to add a touch of tropical flavor to their meals.
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Bread Uttapam, South Indian Snack
Main Ingredients: White Bread, Sooji, All Purpose Flour, Yogurt, Salt
Bread Uttapam is a fun and creative twist on the traditional South Indian breakfast dish, Uttapam. Instead of using the traditional dosa batter, this recipe uses bread slices as the base, making it a quick and easy option for those short on time. Top it with your favorite vegetables and enjoy a delicious and unique snack.
Egg curry is a popular dish in South Indian cuisine and is loved for its rich and spicy flavors. This version of the dish is made with a variety of aromatic spices and a creamy coconut milk gravy, making it the perfect accompaniment to rice or flatbread. It's also a great source of protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
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South Indian-style Red Cabbage
Main Ingredients: Red Cabbage, Olive Oil, Mustard Seeds, Curry Leaves
This vibrant and flavorful dish is a great way to enjoy red cabbage in a South Indian style. It's made with a variety of spices and a touch of tamarind, giving it a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. It's also loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, making it a healthy and colorful addition to any meal.
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Indian Dal Nirvana (Dal Makhani)
Main Ingredients: Dry Lentils, Crushed Tomato, Fresh Ginger, Minced
Dal Nirvana, also known as Dal Makhani, is a popular North Indian dish that has made its way into South Indian cuisine. This creamy and comforting lentil dish is made with a blend of lentils and a rich and flavorful gravy, making it a must-try for any lentil lover. Serve it with some steamed rice or flatbread for a complete meal.
Butter chicken is a beloved dish in Indian cuisine and is enjoyed in many different variations. This particular recipe features a blend of aromatic spices and a creamy tomato-based gravy, giving it a rich and indulgent flavor. It's a great dish to impress your guests with and is sure to be a hit at any dinner party.
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South Indian Green Beans Poriyal
Main Ingredients: French Beans, Oil, Mustard Seeds, Onion, Curry Leaves
Poriyal is a popular South Indian side dish made with vegetables and a blend of spices. This version features green beans and is a great way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable in a flavorful way. It's a simple and healthy addition to any meal and is perfect for those looking to add more veggies to their diet.
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South Indian Lemon Rice
Main Ingredients: Coriander Seeds, Vegetable Oil, Mustard Seeds, Curry
Lemon rice is a simple yet delicious dish that is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy meal. It's made by tossing cooked rice with a blend of spices, curry leaves, and lemon juice, giving it a tangy and refreshing flavor. It's great on its own or served as a side dish to your favorite curry.
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Indian Coconut Lentil Curry
Main Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Fresh Grated Ginger
This creamy and nutritious coconut lentil curry is a great way to enjoy lentils in a flavorful way. It's made with a blend of lentils, coconut milk, and a variety of spices, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it with some steamed rice or flatbread for a complete and balanced meal.
Peanut rice, also known as Nuvvula Annam, is a popular dish in South India and is loved for its rich and nutty flavors. It's made by cooking rice with a variety of spices and roasted peanuts, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. It's a great dish to pack for lunch or to enjoy as a quick and easy dinner.
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Neer Mor / South Indian Spiced Buttermilk
Main Ingredients: Yogurt, Water, Asafoetida, Grated Ginger, Coriander
Neer Mor, also known as spiced buttermilk, is a refreshing and healthy drink that is popular in South India. It's made by blending buttermilk with a variety of spices and herbs, giving it a tangy and slightly spicy flavor. It's a great drink to cool down with on a hot summer day or to enjoy as a refreshing accompaniment to a spicy meal.
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South Indian breakfast trail#7-Dosai platter
Main Ingredients: Rice, Seeds, Urad Dal
This dosa platter is a great way to enjoy a variety of South Indian breakfast dishes in one go. It features a mix of different types of dosas, such as masala dosa and rava dosa, along with some traditional accompaniments like sambar and chutney. It's a delicious and filling breakfast that is sure to leave you satisfied and ready to take on the day.
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Simple Toor Dal, South Indian Style
Main Ingredients: Toor Dal, Onion, Green Chili, Garlic, Mustard Seeds
Toor dal, also known as pigeon pea lentils, is a staple in South Indian cuisine and is enjoyed in many different variations. This simple and flavorful dish is made with a blend of spices and a creamy coconut milk gravy, making it a popular choice for a comforting and satisfying meal. It's also a great source of protein and is perfect for those following a vegetarian or plant-based diet.
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South Indian Coconut Chutney (For Idli's & Dosa's)
Main Ingredients: Coconut, Channa Dal, Almonds, Green Chillies, Ginger
Coconut chutney is a classic South Indian condiment that is enjoyed with many different dishes, including idlis and dosas. This version is made with a blend of coconut, spices, and herbs, giving it a creamy and flavorful texture. It's a must-have side dish for anyone looking to add a touch of South Indian flavor to their meals.
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South Indian Vegan Cabbage Fritters (Cabbage Pakoda)
Main Ingredients: Cabbage, Medium Red Onion, Jalapeno, Cilantro, Besan
Cabbage pakodas, also known as fritters, are a popular snack in South India and are loved for their crispy and flavorful texture. This vegan version is made with a batter of chickpea flour and a mix of spices, making it a delicious and guilt-free snack option. Enjoy it with some coconut chutney or your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty and satisfying snack.
Ingredients:
Rice:
The main ingredient in Pongal is rice, which is a staple food in South India. It is important to use a good quality rice, such as Sona Masuri or Basmati, to ensure that your Pongal turns out perfectly.
Yellow Lentils:
Yellow lentils, also known as moong dal, are another essential ingredient in Pongal. They are a good source of protein and add a creamy texture to the dish.
Spices:
The key spices used in Pongal are cumin seeds, black pepper, and turmeric powder. These spices not only add flavor but also have numerous health benefits.
Vegetables:
Adding vegetables like green beans, carrots, and peas to your Pongal not only makes it more nutritious but also adds color and texture to the dish.
Coconut:
Coconut is a common ingredient used in South Indian cooking, and it adds a subtle sweetness to the Pongal. You can use freshly grated coconut or coconut milk in your recipe.
Tempering:
Tempering, also known as tadka, is a crucial step in making Pongal. It involves heating oil or ghee and adding mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves to enhance the flavor of the dish.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the rice and lentils
In a pot, add 1 cup of rice and ½ cup of yellow lentils and rinse them with water. Then, add 4 cups of water and cook them on medium heat until they become soft and mushy.
Step 2: Add the vegetables and spices
Once the rice and lentils are cooked, add 1 cup of chopped mixed vegetables, 1 tsp of cumin seeds, ½ tsp of black pepper, and ¼ tsp of turmeric powder. Mix everything well and let it cook for 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add the coconut
Next, add ½ cup of grated coconut or 1 cup of coconut milk to the pot and mix it well. Let it cook for another 5 minutes until the flavors are well combined.
Step 4: Prepare the tempering
In a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil or ghee and add 1 tsp of mustard seeds, 1 tsp of cumin seeds, and a few curry leaves. Once the mustard seeds start to splutter, add this tempering to the Pongal and mix everything together.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Your simple South Indian Pongal is now ready to be served. You can garnish it with some chopped coriander leaves and roasted cashew nuts for added flavor and texture.
In conclusion, Pongal is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make at home. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy a taste of South India in the comfort of your own kitchen. So, gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try – we guarantee that you won't be disappointed.
