Poongar Sweet Pongal

Preparation:

• Rinse 1 cup of Ramanathapuram Poongar Rice thoroughly under cold water. Soak the rice in water for about 10 minutes to help it cook evenly.
• Grate ½ cup of jaggery. Jaggery is the key to making this dish authentic and adds a deep, rich flavour to the Sweet Pongal.
• Grate 2 tablespoons of fresh coconut. This adds a wonderful texture and sweetness to your Poongar Sweet Pongal.

Cooking Process:

• In a pressure cooker or a heavy-bottomed pan, add the soaked Ramanathapuram Poongar Rice and 3 cups of water. Cook until the rice is soft and well-cooked. If using a pressure cooker, cook for 2–3 whistles, then let the pressure release naturally. The unique texture of Poongar Rice makes it perfect for this rice pudding dish.
• In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the cashews and raisins and fry them until they turn golden brown. This step gives the Poongar Sweet Pongal a rich flavour and crunch.
• Once the cashews and raisins are fried, add the grated jaggery to the pan. Stir until the jaggery melts completely. Then, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Add ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder and a touch of nutmeg (optional) for an aromatic kick.
• Add the cooked Ramanathapuram Poongar Rice into the pan with the melted jaggery and spice mixture. Stir gently to ensure the rice absorbs all the sweetness and flavours.
• Add the fresh grated coconut and stir well to combine. Let everything cook together for 2–3 minutes, ensuring the rice is well-coated with the sweet and aromatic mixture.

Plating:

• Serve the Poongar Sweet Pongal hot, garnished with fried cashews and raisins for a beautiful and festive touch.

Serving Suggestions:

• Poongar Sweet Pongal is a popular South Indian sweet often made during festivals like Pongal, Diwali, or even for special occasions. You can enjoy it with a cup of traditional filter coffee or masala chai.
• This dish is also perfect for Holi recipes, offering a sweet and aromatic touch to your festive meals.
• For a rich experience, serve it with a dollop of coconut milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Pro Tips:

• For a vegan dessert option, replace the ghee with coconut oil or any other plant-based oil.
• Ramanathapuram Poongar Rice has a unique flavour and texture, which gives your Sweet Pongal an authentic and rich taste. Don’t substitute it for regular rice.
• For extra flavour, you can add a few saffron strands to enhance the aroma of this Indian dessert.