Ven Pongal with Coconut Chutney

Ven Pongal is a classic South Indian comfort food made with rice, moong dal, ghee, and simple spices. This soft and flavorful version is perfect for breakfast or lunch, served hot with coconut chutney.

Steps

1. Wash 2 cups moong dal and 1½ cups rice well.
2. Add 5 cups water, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp crushed black pepper, ½ tsp turmeric powder, and ½ tsp ghee to the dal and rice.
3. Cook until the mixture becomes mushy.
4. In a pan, heat 2 tbsp oil and add cumin seeds, peppercorns, curry leaves, turmeric powder, and red chillies.
5. Add grated ginger and green chillies (optional) to the tempering.
6. Add some water and bring to a boil.
7. Add the cooked dal and rice mixture to the pan and mix well.
8. Add salt to taste and fried cashews.
9. Top with 1 more tbsp ghee and serve hot.
10. For chutney: blend 2 tbsp grated coconut, 2 tbsp peanuts, ½ tbsp dalia, 3 green chillies, 1 clove garlic, ¼ cup mint leaves, ¼ cup cilantro, peanut-size tamarind, salt to taste, and water as needed into a smooth paste.
11. Serve hot pongal with coconut chutney.

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