Millet Pongal

Pongal, the renowned harvesting festival in Tamil Nadu, is traditionally celebrated with the preparation of Chakkara Pongal using rice and dal. However, in my quest for a healthier alternative, I decided to whip up a delicious millet sweet Pongal instead. Not only are millets low in carbohydrates, but they are also rich in fiber, making them a diabetic-friendly choice. So, why not consider trying this nutritious and tasty millet sweet Pongal for your next celebration?

The Resurgence of Millets:

In ancient Indian kitchens, millets were a staple, but their significance dwindled over time. Thankfully, with the rising awareness of health issues such as obesity, millets are making a comeback. These grains boast high nutritional value, are non-glutinous, and do not form acids in the body, making them a soothing and easily digestible option.

Making Healthy Millet Sweet Pongal: If you're keen on incorporating millets into your Pongal celebration, here are some key tips for a healthier twist to the traditional recipe:

1. Optimal Cooking: Ensure that the millets are cooked al dente, maintaining a firm texture rather than becoming mushy. This ensures a delightful eating experience while preserving the nutritional integrity of the millets.
2. Flavor Enhancement: For an added burst of flavor, consider using jaggery as a sweetener. Jaggery not only enhances the taste but also complements the nutty undertones of millets. In the absence of jaggery, brown sugar can serve as a suitable alternative.
3. Cooking Sequence: To achieve the perfect blend of flavors, it's crucial to cook the millets and dal thoroughly before introducing the jaggery syrup. This ensures a seamless integration of ingredients, enhancing the overall taste of your millet sweet Pongal.

Conclusion: Embrace the health benefits of millets and embark on a culinary adventure by preparing a diabetic-friendly millet sweet Pongal for your next Pongal celebration. With the resurgence of these ancient grains, you can indulge in a delicious and nutritious twist on a traditional favorite.

You may also like Sakkarai Pongal.

Millet Pongal 2017-01-05 23:50:40

Millet Pongal

Serves 3    

Prep Time   00:05        

Cook Time   00:30        

Total Time   00:35                      

Ingredients

1. 1 cup millet (I used Banyard millet /samai)
2. 1/4 cup moong dal /pasi paruppu
3. 150 gram jaggery
4. 2 to 3 tbsp ghee
5. 12 cashews
6. 20 raisins
7. 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
8. 1/4 tsp dry ginger powder
9. salt -1/4 tsp          

Instructions

• Wash moong dal and millet separately.
• Cook moong dal in a pressure cooker for about 4 whistles or until it is fully cooked.
• Then mash it well.
• Meanwhile, boil 2 and 1/2 cup of water in a separate pan, when it starts to boil add in millet with salt and cook it for about 15 mins in medium heat or until it is fully cooked but al dente.
• Now combine the cooked moong dal with the millet and mash it well.(turn the heat to low)
• Meanwhile, heat a small pan with jaggery and 1/4 cup of water until it is slightly thick (no need for string consistency).
• Then strain and add this syrup to the millet mixture, mix well.
• Then add cardamom and ginger powder, mix well and switch off the heat.
• Heat a small pan with ghee, fry cashews and raisins till they become golden brown and pour this over sweet pongal and mix well.
• Now the Sweet Millet Pongal is ready to eat.         
• By Santhi Therese    The Indian Claypot
• https://theindianclaypot.com/