#Sarkarai Pongal ( Traditional South Indian Desserts)

 This is a traditional south Indian dessert made with rice, lentil, ghee and jaggery (Click). This is specially prepared during harvest festival called 'PONGAL' from the freshly harvested rice. We used to make this dessert using raw rice and moong dhal which you get it from Indian stores. But you can use the rice of your preference. But the actual taste of this dish is from the proper selection of rice and lentil. Lets get into my way of recipe.....😊😊 

Serves :- 3-4 people
Preparation time :- 5 mins
Cooking time :- 30 - 40 mins
Measurements :- in grams and in spoons

*tbsp - Tablespoon
*tsp   - Teaspoon

Ingredients

1. Raw Rice - 100 grams / ½ cup  ( Indian Raw rice or any rice but not Basmati rice)
2. Lentil - 100 grams / ½ cup  (Moong dhal Click )
3. Jaggery - 200 grams / 1 cup (picture reference given below)
4. Cardamom - 5 pods
5. Ghee - 3 tbsp
6. Milk - ½ cup  (3.5% fat)
7. Water - 500 ml / 2 ½  cups
8. Cashew nuts - 1 tbsp (optional)
9. Raisins - 1 tbsp (optional)

Method

1. In a bowl add the rice and lentil, wash it and drain it. Add 1 cup water and let it soak for 10 minutes.
2. In a pot add 1½ cup water, cardamom, 1 tbsp ghee and allow it boil. Once it is boiled add the soaked rice and lentil along with water. 
3. Close the pot and allow it to cook for about 20 minutes in medium heat. Keep stirring the rice in between then and then. 
4. Mean while powder the jaggery blocks partially using your rolling pin. You have to hit little harder. If the jaggery is in big blocks it takes time to melt and mix with rice. 
5. Once the rice and lentil cooked well add the jaggery and mix it. Now you feel like the mixture is becoming more watery. But do not worry it will settle down in few minutes.
6. Allow the rice mixture to boil and cook for about 10 minutes or until it becomes thick consistency. 
7. Then add milk and 1 tbsp ghee, mix it well and allow it boil in very low heat for 5 minutes. That is it Pongal is done 
8. Then in a separate pan add 1 tbsp ghee and heat it. Then add nuts and raisins, Saute it for few seconds until the nuts turns light brown color. Then add this into the Pongal, give a good mix.  

Picture for reference - Jaggery

Serve this dessert hot or warm and Enjoy it 😋😋

For any doubts and questions post it in the comment section below