Quick & Flavorful Rava Khara Pongal (Spicy Semolina Pongal)

20 minutes

1227 reads

4.67 from 3 votes

About Quick & Flavorful Rava Khara Pongal (Spicy Semolina Pongal)

Craving a quick and flavorful South Indian breakfast? This Rava Khara Pongal is your answer! It's a delicious twist on traditional Pongal, using semolina for a melt-in-your-mouth texture that's ready in minutes.
Instead of rice, this recipe features creamy semolina (rava or sooji), combined with warming spices like moong dal, green chilies, black pepper, and cumin seeds. This comforting vegetarian dish is perfect for busy mornings or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Easy to make and bursting with flavor, this Rava Khara Pongal is sure to impress. It's a delightful and satisfying meal that's perfect any time of day.
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Stop Thinking About What to Cook Every Day

Weight loss, PCOS, and Healthy Eating, all planned out for you. Just follow the plan and cook. From ₹499.

Explore Meal Plans

Recipe Time & More

Prep5 minutes
Cook15 minutes
Total20 minutes
Calories1024 kcal
Serves4
Recipe TasteCrunchySaltySpicy

Ingredients
 

Spices

Main Ingredients

For Tempering

Start Focussed Cooking Mode →

Instructions
 

  • Coarsely grind the black peppercorns and cumin seeds. Set aside. In a dry pan, roast the semolina over medium heat until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. This enhances its nutty flavor. Transfer the roasted semolina to a bowl.
    Quick & Flavorful Rava Khara Pongal (Spicy Semolina Pongal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Add the moong dal to the same pan and dry roast until fragrant. Add 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the dal is soft but not mushy. This ensures the pongal has a pleasant texture.
  • Add 4 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt to the cooked dal. Gently stir in the roasted semolina, ensuring no lumps form. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. This prevents sticking and creates a creamy consistency.
  • While the pongal simmers, prepare the tempering. Heat ghee in a separate pan. Add the ground spices, green chili, curry leaves, and cashews. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown and the spices release their aroma. This adds a final layer of flavor and visual appeal.
    Quick & Flavorful Rava Khara Pongal (Spicy Semolina Pongal) - Plattershare - Recipes, food stories and food lovers
  • Pour the tempering over the cooked pongal. Mix well. Serve hot with chutney, sambar, or pickle.

Recipe Notes

Good To Know

  • When adding water for the rawa (semolina), ensure there's minimal water already in the pan. If the moong dal pan has water, reduce the amount added for the semolina.
  • For extra crunch and aroma, sauté a handful of cashew nuts and a few curry leaves in ghee before adding them to the finished pongal.
  • If you prefer a softer texture, roast the semolina lightly; for a nuttier, more defined grain, toast it until golden brown.
  • To make the dish vegan, substitute ghee with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.
  • Leftover pongal can be shaped into small patties and pan-fried until crisp for a delicious snack.

Expert Tips

  • For a richer flavor, use freshly roasted and ground spices.
  • Adjust the water quantity based on the desired consistency of the pongal – more water for a softer, porridge-like texture, and less for a firmer dish.
  • Soaking the moong dal for at least 30 minutes before cooking will reduce the cooking time and result in a smoother texture.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover pongal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to prevent drying out.
Explore Recipes by Tags easy recipespongal recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.67 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 1024kcalCarbohydrates: 110gProtein: 35gFat: 52gPolyunsaturated Fat: 15.6gMonounsaturated Fat: 31.2gSodium: 855mgFiber: 12gSugar: 6g

Subhashni Venkatesh
Subhashni Venkatesh

I am a native of Kanyakumari district, brought up in Tiruchirapalli, and settled in Tirunelveli. I started exploring cooking at the age of 15 and learned a variety of recipes from my two grandmothers, friends, aunts, mother, and mother-in-law.

Cooking is, of course, my passion. I work as a teacher, and my colleagues love to receive recipes and tips from me, just as I enjoy learning from them. My son and husband encourage me to experiment with and innovate new dishes."

Articles: 165
30-Day Indian Vegetarian Weight Loss Meal Plan

Guest Post / Advertise on Plattershare

Writers, food bloggers & brands - collaborate with us

See Details

3 Comments

4.67 from 3 votes

Leave a Reply