Introduction

Welcome back to our culinary blog! Today, we’re sharing a recipe for Samai Pongal, a traditional South Indian dish made with little millet, known as samai in Tamil. Pongal is typically prepared during the harvest festival of Pongal, but it can be enjoyed any time of the year. This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy breakfast or lunch. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious and nutritious Samai Pongal:

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup samai (little millet)
• 1/2 cup moong dal (yellow split gram)
• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup milk (optional, for a creamier texture)
• Salt to taste

Tempering Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or oil for a vegan version
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 10-12 cashew nuts
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• Few curry leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Millet and Dal

1. Wash the samai (little millet) and moong dal thoroughly under running water.
2. In a pressure cooker, combine the washed millet and dal with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt.
3. Close the lid and cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat, or until the millet and dal are soft and well-cooked.

Step 2: Mash the Cooked Millet and Dal

1. Once the pressure releases naturally, open the lid and mash the cooked mixture slightly with the back of a ladle. Add milk if you prefer a creamier consistency and mix well.

Step 3: Prepare the Tempering

1. In a small pan, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
2. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add the coarsely crushed black peppercorns and grated ginger, and sauté for a minute until the ginger turns fragrant.
4. Add the cashew nuts and fry until they turn golden brown.
5. Add a pinch of asafoetida and the curry leaves. Sauté for a few more seconds.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Pour the prepared tempering over the cooked millet and dal mixture.
2. Mix everything well to ensure the tempering is evenly distributed.
3. Taste and adjust the salt if needed.

Step 5: Serve Hot

1. Serve the Samai Pongal hot, garnished with a drizzle of ghee on top if desired.
2. Enjoy it with coconut chutney, sambar, or a simple pickle on the side.

Tips and Variations

• Vegan Option: Use oil instead of ghee to make this dish vegan-friendly.
• Additional Flavor: You can add a pinch of turmeric powder to the tempering for added color and flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: For a more nutritious version, you can add finely chopped vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans to the pressure cooker along with the millet and dal.
• Consistency: Adjust the water quantity based on your desired consistency. For a thicker pongal, use less water.

Conclusion

Samai Pongal is a nutritious and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal of the day. The combination of little millet and moong dal provides a wholesome balance of carbohydrates and protein, making it a healthy choice for the entire family. Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family, and don’t forget to check out our other healthy and delicious recipes on the blog. Until next time, happy cooking!