Karnataka Pongal

Karnataka Pongal is a comforting, savory dish made with rice and lentils, flavored with spices and garnished with cashews and curry leaves. This wholesome brunch option is perfect for a cozy meal, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• Rice - 1/2 cup
• Moong dal (split yellow lentils) - 1/4 cup
• Water - 4 cups
• Ghee (clarified butter) - 2 tablespoons
• Mustard seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger (grated) - 1 teaspoon
• Green chilies (slit) - 1-2
• Curry leaves - 10-12
• Cashews - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the rice and moong dal together under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, combine the rinsed rice and moong dal with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice and dal are soft and well-cooked.
4. In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
5. Add cumin seeds, black pepper, grated ginger, green chilies, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
6. Add cashews to the pan and fry until they are golden brown.
7. Pour this tempering over the cooked rice and dal mixture. Add salt to taste and mix gently until well combined.
8. Serve hot, garnished with additional ghee if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Water: 1.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein and fiber from moong dal, promoting muscle health and digestion.
• Gluten-free and easily digestible, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

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