18 South Indian Food Pongal Recipe Deliciousness Awaits You!

Published on: Mar 31, 2024

South Indian cuisine is known for its rich and diverse flavors, with each state having its own unique dishes and cooking techniques. One such popular dish is Pongal, a creamy and savory rice and lentil dish that is traditionally prepared during the harvest season. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious South Indian food at home.

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Ingredients for Pongal:

For the Pongal:

1 cup raw rice
1/2 cup moong dal (yellow lentils)
3 cups water
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp peppercorns
1 inch ginger, finely chopped
Salt to taste
1 tbsp ghee
2 tbsp cashews, chopped
2 tbsp raisins
10-12 curry leaves
2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

For the Tadka/Tempering:

2 tbsp ghee
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp urad dal (split black gram)
1 tsp chana dal (split Bengal gram)
2 dried red chillies, broken into pieces

Instructions:

To make the perfect Pongal, follow these simple steps:

Wash the rice and moong dal together until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for 15 minutes.
Drain the water and add the rice and dal to a pressure cooker. Pour in 3 cups of water, add turmeric powder, cumin seeds, peppercorns, ginger, and salt. Mix everything well.
Cook the rice and dal on medium heat for 3-4 whistles. Turn off the heat and let the pressure release naturally.
Heat ghee in a pan and add cashews and raisins. Saute until the cashews turn golden brown. Remove them from the pan and keep them aside.
In the same pan, add more ghee and temper with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, chana dal, and dried red chillies. Saute until the dals turn golden brown.
Add curry leaves and saute for a few seconds. Then, add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the pan.
Mix everything well and add the sauteed cashews and raisins. Stir to combine.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

Pongal is a staple breakfast dish in South India and is often served with other traditional accompaniments like coconut chutney, sambar, or ghee roasted papads. Its creamy texture and delicious flavors make it a favorite among both kids and adults. So, why not try making this authentic South Indian food at home and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!