Two Delicious Millet Pongal Recipes for a Healthy Start to Your Day

Credit: Archana Maam - Sacromento Millets Group
Pongal, a traditional South Indian dish, is a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition. By incorporating little millet and moong dal, you can make this dish even healthier and equally delightful. Here’s how I made Sweet Pongal and Ven Pongal using little millet—two wholesome recipes that are perfect for any occasion.

🌾 Happy Pongal to All in Tamil Nadu!
May the overflowing pots of Pongal signify prosperity, good fortune, and happiness in your lives. Let us celebrate this thanksgiving festival with love and gratitude for nature’s bounties.

🌻 Lohri Di Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan to Punjab!
May the warmth of the Lohri bonfire fill your hearts with joy and your homes with happiness. May this harvest festival bring success, health, and unity to you and your loved ones.

☀️ Shubh Makar Sankranti to All!

• In Maharashtra: Tilgul ghya ani god god bola! May this festival bring sweetness to your words and joy to your hearts.
• In Gujarat: Uttarayan ni hardik shubhechha! May your kites soar high, bringing success and happiness to your lives.
• In Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh: Makara Sankranthi habbada shubhashayagalu! May the festive treats and traditions bring joy to your homes.
• In Bihar & UP: May Khichdi Sankranti bring simplicity, love, and togetherness into your lives.

🌙 To Assam: Bhogali Bihu Mubarak!
Celebrate the season of plenty with delicious feasts, joy, and traditions that keep our roots alive.

🌾 Across the Nation:
Let this harvest season remind us of the importance of gratitude, the blessings of nature, and the unity in diversity that defines India. From sharing tilgul and khichdi to lighting bonfires and flying kites, may every celebration be filled with warmth and love.

Ingredients:

Base:

• Little Millet: 1 cup

• Moong Dal: 1/2 cup

• Water: As needed (3-4 cups, adjust based on desired consistency)

For Sweet Pongal:

• Palm Jaggery: 1/2 to 3/4 cup (adjust to taste)

• Ghee: 2 tbsp

• Cashews: 8-10

• Dry Grapes: 8-10

• Cardamom Powder: 1/4 tsp (optional)

For Ven Pongal:

• Ghee: 2 tbsp

• Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp

• Black Pepper: 1 tsp (slightly crushed or whole)

• Curry Leaves: A few sprigs

• Asafoetida (Hing): A pinch

• Salt: To taste

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Base

1. Rinse the little millet and moong dal thoroughly and soak them overnight for better texture and faster cooking.

2. Cook the moong dal in an open pot with sufficient water until it is about 90% done. Add the soaked millet to the pot and continue cooking until both the millet and dal are soft and well-blended. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Sweet Pongal Recipe

1. Once the millet and dal mixture is cooked, add palm jaggery to the pot. Allow it to dissolve completely and cook until the mixture reaches a soft, mushy consistency.

2. In a separate pan, heat ghee and fry cashews and dry grapes until golden. Add these along with cardamom powder (if using) to the millet-jaggery mixture.

3. Mix well, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed. Serve warm for a naturally sweet, satisfying treat.

Ven Pongal Recipe

1. For the tempering, heat ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, black pepper, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté until aromatic.

2. Mix the tempering into the cooked millet and dal mixture. Add salt to taste and stir thoroughly.

3. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar for a hearty, savory meal.

Why Choose Millet?

Little millet is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with dietary fiber, protein, and essential minerals. It is a great alternative to rice, offering a lower glycemic index and better digestibility. Combined with moong dal, these Pongal recipes not only taste divine but also provide sustained energy and satiety.