Chennai Ven Pongal Recipe

Ven Pongal, also known as Khara Pongal, is a classic South Indian dish that is enjoyed as a comforting breakfast or brunch option. Made with a simple combination of rice and lentils, flavored with spices and ghee, Ven Pongal is not only delicious but also highly nutritious. In this blog post, we will walk you through a step-by-step recipe to prepare this traditional South Indian delight in your own kitchen. So, let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal (lentils)
• 3 cups water
• 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, crushed
• 1 inch ginger, finely chopped
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 10-12 cashew nuts
• 8-10 curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnishing

Instructions

# Wash the rice and lentils separately under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for about 15 minutes and then drain.

# In a large pot, add the soaked rice and lentils along with 3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the rice and lentils are soft and mushy. This may take around 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

# Meanwhile, heat ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and crushed black peppercorns. Sauté them until the seeds crackle and release their aroma.

# Add chopped ginger, asafoetida, cashew nuts, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté them until the cashews turn golden brown.

# Once the rice and lentils are cooked, add the sautéed mixture to the pot and mix well. Add salt according to your taste and give it a good stir.

# Continue cooking the mixture for another 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the mixture appears too thick, you can add a little hot water to achieve the desired consistency.

# Turn off the heat and garnish the Ven Pongal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Serve hot Ven Pongal with coconut chutney, sambar, or tomato chutney. It pairs well with a hot cup of filter coffee.

Tips:

• To enhance the flavor, you can add a few whole peppercorns and cumin seeds while cooking the rice and lentils.
• Adjust the quantity of black peppercorns according to your spice preference.
• For a healthier version, you can use a combination of brown rice and split moong dal.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add a little bit of milk towards the end of the cooking process.

Conclusion

Ven Pongal is a delightful and wholesome breakfast recipe that is loved by people across South India. With its aromatic flavors and creamy texture, it makes for a perfect start to your day. Follow this simple recipe and enjoy the goodness of homemade Ven Pongal in the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to treat your taste buds to a traditional South Indian delight!