Sweet Pongal (Sakkarai Pongal)
Sweet Pongal is a traditional South Indian dish, often made during festivals. It's a comforting, creamy rice and lentil pudding sweetened with jaggery and flavored with cardamom and cashews.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 40 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
Allergen information: may contain milk, nuts, sulphites, and tree nuts. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 0.5 cuprice, raw, short-grain
- 0.25 cupmoong dal, split yellow lentils
- 3 cupwater
- 0.75 cupjaggery, grated or crushed
- 0.5 tspcardamom powder
- 3 tbspghee
- 10 pcscashew, halved or whole
- 1 tbspraisin
- 1 pinchsalt
Equipment
pressure cooker · saucepan · fine-mesh sieve · spoon · heavy-bottomed pot
The method
Step by step
- 1
Wash the rice and moong dal together thoroughly, then drain the water.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Washing helps remove excess starch and impurities.
- 2
In a pressure cooker or heavy-bottomed pot, combine the washed rice, moong dal, and water.
About 1 min
- 3
Cook until the rice and dal are very soft and mushy; if using a pressure cooker, cook for 3-4 whistles on medium heat.
About 15 min
Cook’s note: The consistency should be like a thick porridge.
- 4
While the rice and dal are cooking, melt the jaggery with a splash of water in a small saucepan over low heat until it dissolves completely.
About 5 min
Cook’s note: Strain the jaggery syrup through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any impurities.
- 5
Once the rice and dal are cooked, open the cooker (if using) and mash them gently with the back of a spoon.
About 1 min
- 6
Add the strained jaggery syrup, cardamom powder, and salt to the cooked rice and dal mixture.
About 1 min
- 7
Mix well and cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously, until the pongal thickens and the flavors meld.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Be careful as the mixture can splatter.
- 8
In a separate small pan, heat the ghee over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 9
Add the cashews and roast until they turn golden brown.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Watch them closely as they can burn quickly.
- 10
Add the raisins to the pan and cook for another 30 seconds until they plump up.
About 1 min
- 11
Pour the ghee, roasted cashews, and plumped raisins over the prepared pongal.
About 1 min
- 12
Stir everything together gently and serve warm.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: Garnish with a little extra ghee if desired.
Keep it good
Store leftover Sweet Pongal in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or water to loosen the consistency, or microwave until warm.
More recipes
All recipesmain course
Com Tam Suon Bi Cha
Com Tam Suon Bi Cha is a classic Vietnamese broken rice dish featuring grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and a savory steamed egg meatloaf. It's often served with a side of fresh vegetables and a sweet and tangy fish sauce dressing.
1 hr 45 minlunch
Classic Tuna Salad Sandwich
A quick and satisfying sandwich featuring a creamy tuna salad made with mayonnaise, celery, and a touch of mustard. Perfect for a light lunch or easy meal on the go. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.
10 min 386 kcaldinner
Pork Souvlaki Skewers
These flavorful pork souvlaki skewers are marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and traditional Greek spices, then grilled to perfection. Serve them with pita bread, tzatziki, and a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal. This recipe captures the essence of classic Greek street food.
2 hr 35 min 535 kcaldessert
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
These classic cookies have a rich, fudgy brownie-like center with a distinctively cracked surface coated in powdered sugar. The mandatory chilling period is essential for the dough to firm up, making it easy to handle and creating the signature crinkle effect during baking.
3 hr 42 min 419 kcallunch
Bean and Cheese Quesadilla
These quick and easy bean and cheese quesadillas are a perfect vegetarian lunch or light dinner. Crispy tortillas encase a warm, savory filling of refried beans and melted cheese. Customize with your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.
20 minmain course
Ma Po Tofu
This classic Sichuan dish features silky soft tofu simmered in a rich, spicy, and savory sauce. Minced beef adds depth, while fermented bean paste and chili create its signature fiery flavor. It's a comforting and robust meal, perfect served over steamed rice.
40 min 313 kcalmain course
Chicken Waterzooi
This creamy Belgian stew is a comforting and flavorful dish, traditionally made with chicken and vegetables. It features a rich, velvety sauce thickened with egg yolk and cream, perfect for a hearty meal.
1 hr 10 min 546 kcal