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Sweet Pongal

Sweet Pongal Recipe for Onam Celebrations

Published on: Sep 05, 2024

The great agricultural festival of Onam, observed in Kerala, is a time of festivity, joy, and delicious food. One dish that stands out during this festival is Sweet Pongal, a rich and flavorful dessert that holds a special place in the hearts of those who celebrate Onam. This traditional recipe, made with Pure Jaggery(Sharkara) and other wholesome ingredients, is a perfect way to honor the spirit of the festival. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of making Sweet Pongal using Jaggery(Sharkara), ensuring that your dish is as authentic and delicious as it can be

For traditional recipes like Sweet Pongal, the quality of the jaggery is crucial. Pure Jaggery(Sharkara) is made from Jaggery and is Chemical-Free, providing a sweetness that’s far superior to refined sugar. The deep, earthy flavor of Pure Jaggery(Sharkara) enhances the authenticity of the dish, making it a healthier and more delicious choice.


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Cooking Time

30 minutes

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Prep Time

10 minutes

Here are the ingredients for making a Sweet Pongal -



Making Sweet Pongal with Jivana Jaggery

Step 1: Roasting and Cooking
The first step to making perfect Sweet Pongal is to roast the moong dal, which adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
Moong Dal Roasting: To start, dry roast the moong dal in a hot pan till golden brown. The aroma will enhance the overall flavor of the Pongal.
Cook Rice and Dal: In a pressure cooker, combine the roasted moong dal with raw rice, water, and a pinch of salt. Cook the rice and dal until they are both warm and mushy.


Step 2: Preparing the Jaggery Syrup
The sweet essence of Pongal, Pure Jaggery(Sharkara), a Chemical-Free Jaggery(Sharkara) that ensures your dish is both healthy and flavorful.
Melt the Jaggery(Sharkara): In a separate pan, melt the grated Pure Jaggery(Sharkara) with a little water. Sift the syrup after it has melted to get rid of any particles.
Combine: When the rice and dal mixture is cooked, add the jaggery (Sharkara) syrup, get up and allow to boil so that the flavors can meld.


Step 3: Final Touches
To enhance the taste and aroma of Sweet Pongal, add the final ingredients:
Flavor with Cardamom: To add flavor to the mixture, add a pinch of cardamom powder.
Garnish: Add cashews and raisins to the Pongal after frying them in ghee until they get golden. The ghee, nuts, and dried fruits add richness and texture to the dish.

Sweet Pongal is a dish that not only satisfies the palate but also symbolizes the richness of tradition and the joy of the harvest season. By using Pure Jaggery(Sharkara), you ensure that your Sweet Pongal is not just tasty but also made with the best ingredients. This Onam, celebrate with a bowl of Sweet Pongal that’s bursting with flavor and tradition.


Happy Onam from Jivana!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Sweet Pongal
Raw Rice: 1 cup
Moong Dal (Yellow Lentils): ¼ cup
Jaggery(Sharkara) : 1 cup (grated)
Water: 3 cups
Ghee: 3 tablespoons
Cardamom Powder: 1 teaspoon
Cashews: 10-12
Raisins: 10-12
A pinch of salt