Dates Pongal

 

           This is a traditional South Indian Dessert most popular in Andhra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. This simple preparation includes rice, moong dal (split green gram lentil), dates and a little bit of jaggery. The latter can also can be substituted with sugar. So check out the step by step pictorial recipe to prepare this divine dish.

          This dish is generally prepared during Sankranti and Ugadi festivals. If prepared with only sugar, it is called  Chakkara or Sakkarai Pongal. This is a festive dessert, prepared as an offering to God during Pongal festival or any other auspicious events. It is a very healthy recipe and is good for young and old alike. 

• 1/4 cup rice
• 1/4 cup split green gram (moong dal)
• 1/3 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk
• a pinch of salt
• 13-15 pitted dates, soaked in 1 cup lukewarm water
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1-2 tbsp. ghee
• handful of mixed nuts (cashew, almonds & raisins)

          Soak the rice and dal for an hour. Then wash well and drain. 

          Pressure cook the soaked rice and dal with a pinch of salt in 1/3 cup water and 1/2 cup milk for 5-6 whistles. 

          Then mash it well with the back of a ladle and keep aside. 

          Heat ghee in a pan and sauté the mixed nuts till light golden. (Keep aside few to garnish).

          To it, add the boiled rice-dal mix, soaked dates along with the water in which it was soaked and cardamom powder. Mix everything well and check for sweetness. 

          Now add 1-2 tbsp. jaggery accordingly and simmer on a low flame for 4-5 minutes. Add some hot water / milk to adjust the consistency. 

          Garnish with the remaining fried nuts and enjoy at room temperature or chilled. 

        Soak the rice & dal for an hour. Then wash well and drain. 

 

Pressure cook the soaked rice & dal with a pinch of salt in 1/3 cup water & 1/2 cup milk for 5-6 whistles. 

           Then mash it well with the back of a ladle & keep aside. 

Heat ghee in a pan & sauté the mixed nuts till light golden. (Keep aside few to garnish).

                   To it, add the boiled rice-dal mix,

soaked dates along with the water in which it was soaked & cardamom powder.

Mix everything well & check for sweetness. Now add 1-2 tbsp. jaggery accordingly.

Simmer on a low flame for 4-5 minutes. Add some hot water / milk to adjust the consistency. 

Garnish with the remaining fried nuts & enjoy at room temperature or chilled.