Sakkarai Pongal in Tamil - Southern Sweet Dish By Preetha
Sweet pongal or sakkarai pongal is traditionally prepared during Pongal festival in January, which is celebrated as Lohri, Bihu or Makar Sankranti in various parts of India. Balance the sweetness with some arachivittai sambhar when you dig into this delicacy that's simmered slowly in an earthen pot.
Wash rice and soak in 2 cups water.
Meanwhile, dry roast the dals till you get a faint aroma. Add to soaked rice and pour some water. Allow to soak till next step.
Place earthern pot on flame. Add milk and remaining water and bring to boil.
The minute it boils, add soaked rice and dal. Mix well and cook on a medium flame till rice and dals are almost cooked.
Add jaggery and cardamom pods, mix well and cook on low flame for 10 to 12 minutes.
Meanwhile, cook coconut and dry fruits in ghee for 1 minute and then add to pongal mixture.
Mix once and simmer for few minutes. Pongal is ready to serve as naivedyam Prasad.