Sakkarai Pongal Recipe: Authentic South Indian Sweet Rice

35 minutes

1229 reads

4.25 from 4 votes

About Sakkarai Pongal Recipe: Authentic South Indian Sweet Rice

Indulge in the delightful taste of Sakkarai Pongal, a traditional South Indian sweet rice dish perfect for festivals and celebrations. This creamy, comforting dessert features a harmonious blend of soft rice, moong dal, fragrant cardamom, and rich jaggery, all brought together to create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
The subtle sweetness of the jaggery complements the nutty notes of the cashews and raisins, while a generous drizzle of ghee adds a luxurious touch. Easy to make yet brimming with festive flavor, Sakkarai Pongal is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to making this beloved South Indian treat, ensuring a successful and delicious outcome every time. Prepare to be transported to the heart of South Indian culinary traditions with every bite!
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Recipe Time & More

Prep10 minutes
Cook25 minutes
Total35 minutes
Calories251 kcal
Serves3
Served AsDesserts
Recipe TasteCrunchy

Ingredients
 

Grains & Legumes

  • 1/2 cup Rice use short-grain rice like sona masuri or similar
  • 1/4 cup Mung Bean split yellow pigeon peas, yellow

Sweeteners & Spices

  • 1 cup Jaggery grated, or use equivalent amount of brown sugar if needed
  • 1/4 tsp Cardamom Powder ground cardamom; enhances flavor

Nuts & Dry Fruits

Fats & Liquids

  • 3 tbsp Ghee clarified butter; adds richness
  • 3 cup Water adjust as needed for desired consistency
  • 1/2 tsp Salt to enhance the flavors of the dish
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Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice and Dal

  • Dry roast the moong dal and rice separately in a pan over medium heat until fragrant, being careful not to brown them. Rinse thoroughly and add to a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water and 1/2 tsp of salt. Pressure cook for 8-10 whistles or until the rice and dal are completely soft.

Mash and Combine

  • Allow the pressure to release naturally. Once released, carefully mash the cooked rice and dal with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Jaggery Syrup

  • In a separate saucepan, heat the grated jaggery with 1/2 cup of water until it melts completely. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities.

Combine and Cook

  • Add 2 tbsp of ghee to the jaggery syrup and bring to a gentle boil. Add the mashed rice and dal mixture to the jaggery syrup. Stir continuously over low-medium heat until everything is well combined and the pongal thickens slightly.

Add Spices and Nuts

  • Stir in the cardamom powder and cook for a few minutes. While the pongal cooks, fry the cashews and raisins in the remaining 1 tbsp of ghee until golden brown.

Garnish and Serve

  • Add half of the fried cashew nuts and raisins to the pongal, mixing well. Pour the remaining cashews and raisins over the top for garnish. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Best Sakkarai Pongal

  • For a richer flavor, use homemade ghee.
  • Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your preferred sweetness level.
  • If the pongal becomes too thick, add a little more water while stirring.
  • Don't overcook the pongal, as this can make it gummy. Cook until it reaches the desired consistency.
Explore Recipes by Tags pongal recipessouth indian recipes

Please appreciate the author by voting!

4.25 from 4 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 251kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10.2gFiber: 3gSugar: 1g

Akum Raj Jamir
Akum Raj Jamir

A foodie and a passionate cook. Loves everything about food. I love experimenting with food in my kitchen and develop new recipes.

Articles: 153
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4.25 from 4 votes

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