Ven Pongal

Pongal, as it is called in the South or Kitchidi, as it is called in the Northern states is the most popular comfort food in India. Ven pongal is one of the safest food that you can have at a restaurant. It is easy to make. It is one dish that does not need too many fancy ingredients, and can be made in one pot. 

Ingredients:

1 Cup white rice
3/4 Cup Mung Dal
7-8 C water
salt to taste
asafoetida
1 teaspoon broken cashew nuts
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 sprig curry leaves
1/2 inch ginger, chopped 

                                              

Method:

1. Mix the first 5 ingredients in a vessel and place in a pressure cooker with water. Cook for 20 minutes or 7 whistles.

2. Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon ghee in a pan, and roast the cashew till golden brown. Reserve it in a bowl. In the same pan, add some more ghee and season the next 4 ingredients. 

3. Open the pressure cooker when the pressure goes down. Stir in the seasoning. Gently mix, and serve hot with sambar and coconut chutney, or gothsu.

Note: 

The pongal should be runny when it is hot. If it is not, mix hot water as required and heat before serving.

Pongal can be made in the Instant Pot. (see below the IP version of the recipe)

Instant Pot Ven Pongal:

1. Turn the IP on saute mode.

2. Add 2 Tablespoons ghee and 1 teaspoon oil. Roast cashew nuts to golden brown. 

                                                               

3. Add peppercorn and cumin seeds. Saute until peppercorn swells up and crackles.

                                                                

4. Next, add ginger and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds.

                                                               

5. Add 6-7 cups of water. Bring it to a boil. Add rice, mung dal, salt and asafoetida.

6. Check for salt. Cover the Instant Pot with the lid. Switch from saute mode to pressure cook mode. Wait for NPR to open the lid. 

7. Gently stir to mix everything before serving. Spoon a little ghee on top of the pongal while serving.