Introduction: Step into the realm of South Indian comfort food with our Little Millet Pongal recipe! Pongal, a traditional dish made with rice and lentils, gets a nutritious makeover in this recipe by using little millet, a small but mighty grain packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Join us as we explore the simplicity and nourishment of Little Millet Pongal and indulge in a wholesome meal that’s perfect for any time of the day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup little millet
• 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• A handful of curry leaves
• 1/4 cup cashew nuts
• Salt to taste
• Freshly chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the little millet and moong dal under running water and drain well.
2. In a pressure cooker or large pot, combine the rinsed little millet, moong dal, and water.
3. Pressure cook the millet and dal mixture for 4-5 whistles or until they are soft and well-cooked. If using a pot, cook until the millet and dal are tender, adding more water if necessary.
4. Once cooked, mash the millet and dal mixture lightly using a spoon or potato masher. Set aside.
5. In a separate pan, heat ghee or cooking oil over medium heat.
6. Add mustard seeds to the hot ghee/oil and let them splutter.
7. Add cumin seeds, whole black peppercorns, and a pinch of asafoetida to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the spices are fragrant.
8. Add finely chopped green chilies, grated ginger, curry leaves, and cashew nuts to the pan. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.
9. Pour the tempered spices and cashews over the mashed millet and dal mixture.
10. Add salt to taste and mix well to combine all the ingredients.
11. Garnish the Little Millet Pongal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

Variations:

• For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of coconut milk or cream towards the end of cooking.
• You can also add grated coconut or roasted peanuts for extra texture and flavor.
• Adjust the spiciness of the pongal by adding more or fewer green chilies.

Nutritional Information: Little Millet Pongal is a nutritious and wholesome meal that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Little millet is gluten-free and has a low glycemic index, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels. This dish is light yet filling, providing sustained energy to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Conclusion: Little Millet Pongal is a delightful way to incorporate the goodness of millets into your diet. With its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and crunchy cashews, this dish is sure to please your taste buds and nourish your body. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Little Millet Pongal is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try and experience the wholesome bliss of Little Millet Pongal!