Ven Pongal
Savory Rice and Lentil Porridge
A comforting and savory South Indian breakfast dish made from rice and moong dal, enriched with ghee and fragrant spices like black pepper and cumin. It has a soft, porridge-like consistency and is often served with sambar and coconut chutney.
🧂 Ingredients
- 150 g Raw rice (e.g., Sona Masoori or Ponni)(Rinse well before cooking.)
- 50 g Yellow moong dal (split and hulled)(Rinse well before cooking.)
- 60 g Ghee(Divided. More can be added for serving.)
- 1 tsp Whole black peppercorns(Lightly crushed or whole.)
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 10 pieces Cashew nuts(Halved or whole.)
- 10 sprigs Curry leaves(Fresh.)
- 4 cups Water(Adjust for desired consistency.)
- to taste Salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the rice and moong dal thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 2
In a heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, combine the rinsed rice, moong dal, 4 cups of water, and salt to taste. Stir well.
⏱️ 1 minute - 3
Cook the mixture until it becomes very soft and mushy. If using a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat, then let the pressure release naturally.
- 4
Once cooked, the mixture should have a thick, porridge-like consistency. If it's too thick, add a little hot water and stir. If it's too thin, cook uncovered for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. Mash gently with the back of a spoon or a whisk to break down any remaining lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
While the pongal is cooking or resting, prepare the tempering. In a small pan, heat 40g of ghee over medium heat (around 175°C / 350°F). Once the ghee is hot and shimmering, add the crushed black peppercorns and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- 6
Add the halved cashew nuts to the pan and fry until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Finally, add the curry leaves and fry for a few seconds until crisp. Immediately remove the pan from the heat.
⏱️ 1 minute - 7
Pour the hot tempering mixture, including the ghee, spices, cashews, and curry leaves, directly into the cooked pongal. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 8
Serve the Ven Pongal hot. Drizzle with the remaining 20g of ghee (or more, to taste) and garnish with extra crushed peppercorns if desired. It is traditionally served with sambar and coconut chutney.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The ideal consistency is like a thick porridge – not too watery, not too stiff.
- ✓Don't skimp on the ghee; it's essential for the rich flavor and texture of Ven Pongal.
- ✓The pungency of the black pepper is a defining characteristic. Adjust the amount to your preference, but ensure it's noticeable.
- ✓For a smoother texture, you can blend the cooked rice and dal slightly before adding the tempering.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal): Made with jaggery or sugar, cardamom, and often served during festivals.
- Kara Pongal (Spicy Pongal): This recipe is for Kara Pongal. Variations can include adding finely chopped ginger or green chilies to the tempering for extra heat.
- Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the tempering for an additional layer of flavor and digestive benefits.