Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal): Authentic South Indian Festive Recipe

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4.67 from 3 votes

About Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal): Authentic South Indian Festive Recipe

Celebrate the harvest festival of Pongal with this authentic Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal) recipe! A traditional South Indian delicacy, this creamy, sweet rice pudding is made with fragrant rice, moong dal, jaggery, and warming spices. The name 'Pongal' means 'to boil over,' symbolizing abundance and prosperity, making it the perfect dish to share during this joyous occasion.
This recipe guides you through each step, from roasting nuts to perfectly cooking the rice and dal, ensuring a delicious and meaningful Sweet Pongal. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, you'll be able to recreate this heartwarming treat in your own kitchen. It's a wonderful way to connect with South Indian culture and share the spirit of Pongal with friends and family.
Traditionally prepared on the 14th of January, Sweet Pongal is an offering to the Sun God. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it a truly special dessert, perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying a taste of South India.
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Recipe Time & More

Prep20 minutes
Cook20 hours 40 minutes
Total21 hours
Calories1306 kcal
Serves4
Served AsSnacks
Recipe TasteCrunchy

Ingredients
 

Grains & Legumes

  • 1 cup Rice raw
  • 1/2 cup Mung Bean split pigeon peas, yellow

Sweetener & Liquid

  • 1 1/2 cup Jaggery adjust to your preferred sweetness. use good quality jaggery for best flavor.
  • 4 cup Water
  • 1 cup Milk full-fat milk recommended for richness.

Spices & Flavorings

Garnish

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Instructions
 

Prepare the Garnish

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a small pan. Add cashews, almonds, and raisins. Roast until golden brown. Set aside.

Cook the Rice and Dal

  • In the same pan, add the moong dal and sauté for 2 minutes over low heat, until the raw smell disappears. Add the raw rice. Pour in 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice and dal are cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Alternatively, pressure cook for 3-4 whistles.

Mash and Combine

  • Once cooled, gently mash the cooked rice and dal to a slightly creamy consistency. Stir in 1 cup of milk.

Add Sweetener and Spices

  • Add the jaggery and stir until completely dissolved and well combined. Cook over low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the roasted nuts, cardamom powder, and remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee. Mix well.

Serve

  • Remove from heat. Your Sweet Pongal is ready to serve warm. Traditionally offered as naivedyam (offering) to the Sun God.

Recipe Notes

Expert Tips for the Perfect Sweet Pongal

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of cardamom pods while roasting the nuts.
  • Adjust the amount of jaggery according to your preferred level of sweetness. You can also use a combination of jaggery and sugar if desired.
  • If the Pongal becomes too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade ghee. You can also add a small piece of grated coconut at the end for extra aroma and texture.
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4.67 from 3 votes

Recipe Nutrition

Calories: 1306kcalCarbohydrates: 74gProtein: 42gFat: 101gPolyunsaturated Fat: 30.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 60.6gCholesterol: 3mgFiber: 14gSugar: 14g

Charus Cuisine
Charus Cuisine

I have thru’ my eKitchen attempted to present variety of vegetarian recipes of Karnataka and I will keep building the same for your benefit. I will also be adding more North Indian recipes. Being a pure vegetarian, I have included only vegetarian recipes.

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4.67 from 3 votes

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