๐Ÿฅฃ Ven Pongal

Warm, ghee-kissed rice and dal cooked to creamy, peppery comfort

Spice Level: ๐ŸŒถ๏ธ
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Serves: 4
Calories (approx): ~210 kcal per serving

๐Ÿ”” Tiffin & Temple Bells

๐ŸŒฟ Introduction

Ven Pongal is soft, buttery South Indian comfort โ€” a temple-style dish made from rice, lentils, ghee, pepper, and cumin.
Creamy, soothing, and gently spiced, it is the kind of breakfast
that feels like a warm hug on a slow morning.

โ€œA bowl of gentle warmth, stirred with ghee and gratitude.โ€

Ven Pongal

Photo by Stirred By Spice

Ven Pongal and Sakkarai Pongal are at the heart of Pongal celebrations, a harvest festival rooted in gratitude and seasonal cooking.

You can explore the traditions, rituals, and foods of Pongal here.

๐Ÿ“ Ingredients

For the Pongal

  • 1 cup raw rice

  • ยฝ cup moong dal

  • ยฝ tsp turmeric

  • Salt to taste

  • 4โ€“5 cups water (adjust for softness, for more creamy texture use milk: water 2: 4 ratio)

For Tempering

  • 2 tbsp ghee

  • 1 tsp cumin seeds

  • 1 tsp whole black pepper (lightly crushed)

  • 1 inch ginger, finely chopped

  • 10โ€“12 cashews

  • 1 sprig curry leaves

๐Ÿฝ๏ธ Instructions

  • Roast the Dal โ€“ Dry roast moong dal lightly until fragrant.

  • Cook Rice & Dal โ€“ Add rice, roasted dal, turmeric, salt, and water. Pressure cook until soft and creamy.

  • Mash Gently โ€“ Stir to combine the grains into a soft, porridge-like texture.

  • Prepare Tempering โ€“ Heat ghee; add cumin, pepper, ginger, cashews, and curry leaves.

  • Combine โ€“ Pour tempering over pongal and mix well.

  • Serve Hot โ€“ Enjoy with coconut chutney and sambar.

    *Note: For everyday cooking, I rely on a medium pressure cooker like this one. Itโ€™s practical, dependable, and especially

    useful for dals, vegetables, and one-pot meals.

๐Ÿท Optional Serving Notes

Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar. Add a spoonful of ghee on top for a traditional temple-style finish.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Soulful Note

Ven Pongal carries a quiet holiness โ€” the kind of dish that turns a simple breakfast into a moment of calm, devotion, and comfort.

๐Ÿ“š Cookโ€™s Wisdom / FAQs

Cook's Wisdom

Tip:Add extra ghee for temple-style richness.

  • Adjust consistency with hot water/milk โ€” pongal thickens as it cools.

  • Roast dal lightly for deeper aroma.

  • A few crushed peppercorns ensure warmth without sharp heat.

  • Cashews can be toasted separately for more crunch.

๐Ÿ“Š Nutrition (Per Serving โ€” Approx.)

  • Calories 210

  • Protein 6g

  • Carbs 32g

  • Fat 6g

  • Fiber 2g

๐Ÿƒ๐ŸŒถ๐Ÿƒ The Bottom Line

Creamy, ghee-rich, and soul-soothing โ€” Ven Pongal is comfort in its purest South Indian form.

๐Ÿงก Meet the Heart Behind the Spice

Maya Shetty โ€“ Stirred By Spice Author Photo

Hi, Iโ€™m Maya Shetty โ€” cook, storyteller, and spice lover.

Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart โ€” where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Iโ€™d Love to Hear From You!

Your words, memories, and reflections mean the world to me.
Share your thoughts using the form below โ€” I read every message.

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