10 recipes you can whip up at ease this Pongal and indulge in without a worry

Add a handful of tamarind, star anise and more to your shopping list, you have an interesting set of dishes to concoct this Pongal

10 recipes you can whip up at ease this Pongal and indulge in without a worry
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Pongal, or as is more locally known as Tai Pongal is a multi-day Hindu harvest festival celebrated inherently by Tamils all across. It is observed at the start of the month Tai, the first month according to the Tamil solar calendar and is typically celebrated around mid-January. A festival dedicated to Surya Dev (or Sun God) corresponds to Makar Sankranti, the harvest festival under many regional names—like Uttrayan or Bhogi—celebrated throughout India. So this time we've made a fascinating list of quick and easy recipes that you can stir up in your kitchen to ensure your celebration is at an all-time high all while enjoying top-tier dishes and not breaking a sweat for the same. You're welcome!

Read on to learn more about these dishes and how to prepare them as well.

Tomato chutney
A typical Indian thali will always feel incomplete without a generous serving of chutneys (yes, we like the variety) after the meal. An integral part of most households, you wouldn't want to miss out on the joy of wiping your plate clean with a bowl of this tomato-sugary wonder this festive season now, would you?


Aaloo rava snack
Imagine this, all of you at home or wherever you're celebrating are running hither and thither to check all things off the bucket list and ensure a smooth Pongal celebration ensues, fun to think of but definitely not on an empty stomach. For times like these watch this video to make this quick aloo and suji snack to help you get going!


Puliyodharai
Puliyodharai or simply tamarind rice is a popular South Indian rice preparation which takes its name from puli or tamarind. The right amount of tangy and spicy, follow the video to the T to give your usual rice a much needed flavourful twist and gorge in as much as you can, to your heart's content.


Paruppu vadai
Made with soaked chana dal paruppu vadai or masala vada, take our word for it, is going to come handy every time you find yourself hungry amidst the busy festive days. This video has been handpicked for you to fall back on for the very same reason. Should you find yourself craving for a classic south Indian snack you now would know where to look.


Idli with coconut chutney
It's hardly possible to observe a festivity such as Pongal without indulging in a plate full of the staple, soft wonder of a dish idlis served hot with the classic creamy and textured coconut chutney. If you're in a fix and wondering how to make them for yourself, watch the steps shown in the video at your convenience to know exactly what we're talking about.


Mysore bonda recipe
Might sound like a bit of a drag, but only until you try biting into one of these crispy, soft fritters. Traditionally made with lentils, chopped fresh coconut, fresh herbs and vibrant spices this South Indian hit of a dish should come handy this Pongal. We say fry as many and dive right in, especially when it's hot.


Peanut chutney
Coconut chutney will always remain top-tier but it's about time you give peanuts chutney or groundnuts chutney the due recognition (if you haven't already). Take it from us when we say, this chutney is one that'll keep you wanting for more. Try it with idli, dosa, vadais or whatever your heart pleases maybe, but don't for a second choose to skip it this time. For the recipe,, this lovely video is going to be at your service. Enjoy!


Milagu rasam
A quintessential favourite enjoyed among most South Indians, milagu rasam or pepper rasam is prepared using pepper and cumin seeds. Oozing with the flavour of jeera and pepper, serve it with fresh-out-of-the-cooker steamed rice and a spoonful of ghee and get on with your day. This one's not just popularly savoured but is also considered healthy.


Rava ladoo
Could ladoo ever go wrong? Don't answer that, it was rhetoric! No matter what the occasion, a ladoo (actually ladoos, plural) on the table is a must and we thought you mustn't be left behind either. Watch this recipe video closely and make sure you get to bite into some of these gooey delights too.


Dahi vada
A snack that needs no introduction, but for those who may still run a chance to not know about this gem of a dish, popularly served as a snack, think of dal vadas soaked in the goodness of creamy yoghurt and spiced up with sweet and sour tamarind chutney, bhujia, chopped onions, chilli, a dash of rock salt and maybe, if you'd like, a garnish of finely chopped coriander leaves. We'd definitely suggest making a plate or two.


Make sure to try all of them and let us know which one was the highlight of your Pongal menu.

Shreyasee Ghosh

Shreyasee Ghosh

Shreyasee who has always remained a foodie has now embarked upon the journey of channelling her love for the same through her writing. An ardent theatre-lover, she's always on the look-out for new avenues to express her creative self. Apart from writing and working on social media, she also never misses an opportunity to crack a joke, every now and then.

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