Easy Pongal Recipe Millets Home: A Healthy Twist

Looking for an easy and healthy Pongal recipe? This Pongal Recipe Millets Home version is your go-to for a nutritious and delicious meal. Incorporating millets into your Pongal not only enhances its health benefits but also adds a delightful texture and flavor. how to prepare this wholesome dish at home.

Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 1 cup Foxtail Millet (Thinai)
• ½ cup Yellow Moong Dal (Split)
• 3 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tablespoons Ghee
• 1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
• 1 teaspoon Whole Black Peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon Chopped Ginger
• 1 Green Chili, chopped
• 10 Cashew Nuts
• 1 sprig Curry Leaves
• ¼ teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)

Instructions

1. Roast the Moong Dal: In a pan, dry roast the moong dal on medium heat until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This step enhances the flavor of the Pongal.
2. Wash and Soak: Rinse the foxtail millet and the roasted moong dal thoroughly. Soak them together in water for about 15 minutes to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
3. Cook the Millet and Dal: In a pressure cooker, add the soaked millet and dal along with 3 cups of water and salt. Cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
4. Prepare the Tempering: In a separate pan, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds and black peppercorns. Once they splutter, add chopped ginger, green chili, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute.
5. Add Cashews: Add cashew nuts to the tempering and fry until they turn golden brown.
6. Combine and Serve: Pour the tempering over the cooked millet and dal mixture. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar.

Pro Tips

• Soaking: Soaking the millet and dal reduces cooking time and enhances nutrient absorption.
• Consistency: Adjust the water quantity to achieve your desired consistency. For a softer Pongal, add a little more water.
• Flavor Enhancers: Adding a pinch of turmeric or a dash of lemon juice can improve the flavor profile.

Chef’s Notes

• Substitutions: You can use other millets like Little Millet (Samai) or Barnyard Millet (Kuthiraivali) as alternatives to Foxtail Millet.
• Vegan Option: Replace ghee with coconut oil for a vegan version of this dish.
• Storage: Store leftover Pongal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat with a splash of water to restore consistency.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

For more information on the health benefits of millets, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Nutrition Website.