Classic South Indian Pongal Feast
Pongal is a beloved South Indian dish that can be enjoyed as a comforting breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made with rice and lentils, it is a hearty, savory dish that is both nutritious and delicious. Paired with tangy sambar, coconut chutney, and a crispy papad, this feast is the perfect way to celebrate the rich flavors of South India.
Ingredients (Serves 4-5)
For the Pongal:
- 1 cup rice (preferably short-grain or sona masoori)
- 1/4 cup moong dal (yellow split lentils)
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp ginger, finely chopped
- 10-12 cashews
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 tbsp oil
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh curry leaves (a handful)
For the Sambar:
- 1/2 cup toor dal (pigeon peas)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, potatoes, drumstick, etc.)
- 1-2 green chilies, slit
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1-2 tsp sambar powder
- 1 tbsp tamarind pulp (or tamarind paste)
- 1 tbsp oil
- 10-12 curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For Coconut Chutney:
- 1/2 cup grated fresh coconut
- 2 tbsp roasted chana dal (optional, for texture)
- 2 green chilies
- 1 tsp ginger
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1-2 dried red chilies
- 5-6 curry leaves
For Papad:
- 4-5 papads (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pongal
- Roast the Dal: Dry roast the moong dal in a pan until it turns light golden. Set aside.
- Cook the Rice and Dal: In a pressure cooker, add rice, roasted moong dal, and 3 cups of water. Cook for 3-4 whistles or until soft.
- Tempering: In a separate pan, heat ghee and oil. Add cumin seeds, black peppercorns, and cashews. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.
- Add Spices: Add chopped ginger, green chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for 1-2 minutes.
- Combine with Rice and Dal: Add the cooked rice and dal mixture to the tempering. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Adjust salt to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with more curry leaves and serve hot.
Step 2: Prepare the Sambar
- Cook the Dal: Rinse the toor dal and cook it in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water and turmeric powder for 3-4 whistles until soft.
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a separate pan, cook the mixed vegetables with a little water until tender. Add them to the cooked dal.
- Sambar Spice Base: In a pan, heat oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add curry leaves, green chilies, onions, and tomatoes. Sauté until the onions turn golden.
- Cook with Spices: Add sambar powder, tamarind pulp, and the cooked dal-vegetable mixture. Adjust water to get the desired consistency and bring it to a simmer for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Step 3: Prepare Coconut Chutney
- Grind the Chutney: In a blender, combine grated coconut, roasted chana dal, green chilies, ginger, and salt. Add a little water to make a smooth paste.
- Tempering: Heat oil in a small pan, add mustard seeds, dried red chilies, and curry leaves. Let them splutter, then pour over the chutney.
- Serve: Mix well and serve in a small bowl.
Step 4: Prepare the Papad
- Roast or Fry the Papad: Heat a pan or tawa and roast the papads one by one until crisp. Alternatively, you can deep fry them.
- Serve: Break into pieces and serve alongside the meal.
Step 5: Assemble the Pongal Feast
- Plating: Serve the Pongal in a bowl, accompanied by a generous portion of Sambar, a side of Coconut Chutney, and crispy Papad. Garnish with extra curry leaves and coriander for color and flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Enjoy your Classic South Indian Pongal Feast with family and friends! It’s a comforting, aromatic meal full of textures, flavors, and a true representation of South Indian cuisine.
Tips:
- Adjust the spiciness in the sambar and chutney to your liking.
- You can add extra vegetables to the Pongal for a more nutritious twist.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade ghee for tempering.
This Pongal Feast is an absolute treat, perfect for special occasions, festivals, or a cozy family meal! 🌟
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Ultimate dhokla