How to Make Perfect Ven Pongal : A Step-by-Step Recipe

  

Ven Pongal is a classic South Indian dish that is both comforting and delicious. Made with rice, lentils, and a few simple spices, it is a popular breakfast or lunch option in many households. In this article, we will be sharing a step-by-step recipe to make Ven Pongal and some tips and tricks to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time.

 Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup split moong dal (yellow lentils)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 inch ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 cup ghee or clarified butter
• Salt to taste
• Curry leaves (optional)
• Cashews (optional)

Instructions:

• Dry roast the moong dal in a pan until it turns light golden brown. Be careful not to burn it.
• Wash the rice and the roasted moong dal and drain the water.
• In a pressure cooker or a pot, add 3 cups of water, rice, and moong dal.
• Add cumin seeds, black pepper, grated ginger, turmeric powder, and salt to the pot.
• Mix well and close the pressure cooker lid. Cook on high heat for 3 whistles or until the rice and dal are fully cooked.
• Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and give the mixture a stir.
• In a separate pan, heat ghee or clarified butter. Add curry leaves and cashews and fry until the cashews turn golden brown.
• Add the ghee mixture to the cooked rice and dal mixture and mix well.
• Serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, or any side dish of your choice.

Tips and Tricks:

1. Make sure to roast the moong dal properly. This step is crucial to get the perfect texture and taste of the pongal.
2. Adjust the amount of water according to your preferred consistency. If you want it to be more mushy, add more water.
3. The addition of ghee or clarified butter is what gives the pongal its rich flavor. Don't skimp on it!
4. You can also add some vegetables like carrot, peas or beans to make it more nutritious and flavorful.
5. To make it more aromatic, you can add whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom while roasting the moong dal.
6. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can also cook the pongal in a pot on the stovetop. It will take longer to cook, but the end result will still be delicious.

Ven Pongal is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients. With our step-by-step recipe and tips, you can now make delicious Ven Pongal in the comfort of your own home. So, the next time you are craving something warm and comforting, give this recipe a try and enjoy a taste of South India!