Introduction: Experience the heartwarming flavors of South Indian cuisine with a nutritious twist in our Sorghum (Jowar) Pongal recipe. Pongal, a traditional dish from Tamil Nadu, gets a wholesome makeover with the addition of sorghum, also known as jowar, a nutrient-rich grain packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Join us as we explore the simplicity and nourishment of Sorghum Pongal, perfect for a comforting and wholesome meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sorghum (jowar), washed and soaked for 4-6 hours
• 1/2 cup split yellow moong dal (yellow lentils), washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, crushed
• 1-inch piece ginger, finely chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• A handful of cashew nuts
• A handful of curry leaves
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a pressure cooker, combine soaked sorghum and split yellow moong dal with 4 cups of water.
2. Pressure cook the mixture for 4-5 whistles or until the sorghum and dal are cooked well and mushy. Allow the pressure to release naturally.
3. Once cooked, mash the sorghum and dal mixture lightly with the back of a spoon. Set aside.
4. In a separate pan, heat ghee over medium heat.
5. Add cumin seeds to the hot ghee and let them splutter.
6. Add crushed black pepper, chopped ginger, slit green chilies, cashew nuts, and curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
7. Add the cooked sorghum and dal mixture to the pan. Mix well to combine.
8. Add salt to taste and stir the mixture gently.
9. Cook the pongal on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a porridge-like consistency.
10. Once the pongal is cooked to your desired consistency, remove the pan from the heat.
11. Garnish Sorghum Pongal with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
12. Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar on the side.

Variations:

• For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of coconut milk to the pongal before serving.
• You can also add grated vegetables like carrots or beans to the pongal for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with different combinations of spices like turmeric powder or asafoetida for additional flavor.

Nutritional Information: Sorghum Pongal is a nutritious and gluten-free dish that provides a good source of carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Sorghum is known for its high nutritional value, making it suitable for individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking to maintain a healthy diet. This pongal is comforting, wholesome, and easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying meal.

Conclusion: Sorghum Pongal is a delicious and nourishing dish that’s perfect for comforting your body and soothing your soul. With its creamy texture, aromatic spices, and wholesome sorghum, this pongal is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or as a comforting meal on a rainy day, Sorghum Pongal is a delightful way to incorporate the goodness of sorghum into your diet. Give this recipe a try and experience the comforting flavors and wholesomeness of Sorghum Pongal!