Banana Pongal, Sweet South Indian Banana Porridge
by Tarla Dalal

Here is a traditional South Indian treat, which is prepared during most religious functions, especially during the harvest festival of Sankrant .

Of a consistency similar to khichdi, the Sweet Banana Pongal features a jaggery-flavoured mixture of cooked rice and lentils, served with a garnish of chopped bananas. An assortment of spices are used to impart an intense flavour to this rich dish.

As a variant, you can add a few crushed cloves too to the tempering to get a spicier taste. Make sure you lace the Sweet Pongal with melted ghee, as that boosts the aroma and flavour tremendously.

Banana Pongal, Sweet South Indian Banana Porridge

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Banana Pongal, Sweet South Indian Banana Porridge recipe - How to make Banana Pongal, Sweet South Indian Banana Porridge

1 1/2 cups chopped bananas
1/4 cup yellow moong dal (split yellow gram)
1 tbsp chana dal (split bengal gram)
1 cup raw rice (chawal) , washed and drained
1 cup milk
2 cups chopped jaggery (gur)
2 tbsp ghee
3 tbsp chopped cashewnuts (kaju)
2 tbsp raisins (kismis)
1 tsp cardamom (elaichi) powder
1/4 tsp nutmeg (jaiphal) powder
a few strands of saffron (kesar) strands

For The Topping
2 tbsp melted ghee

Method

Combine the dals in abroad non-stick pan and dry roast on a medium flame for 5 minutes.
Combine the roasted dals, rice, milk and 2½ cups of water in a pressure cooker, mix well and pressure cook for 6 whistles.
Allow the steam to escape before opening the lid. Keep aside.
Combine the jaggery and ¾ cup of water in a deep non-stick pan, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 7 minutes, while stirring continuously.
Add the cooked rice-dal mixture, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 4 minutes ,while stirring continuously. Keep aside.
For the tempering, heat the ghee in a small non-stick pan, add the cashewnuts and raisins and sauté on a slow flame for 2 minutes.
Add the tempering to the jaggery-rice mixture, along with cardamom powder, nutmeg powder and saffron, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 1 minute, while stirring occasionally.
Add the bananas, mix well and serve immediately topped with melted ghee.

Nutrient values (Abbrv) per serving

Energy	540 cal
Protein	7.7 g
Carbohydrates	91.9 g
Fiber	3 g
Fat	14.9 g
Cholesterol	5.3 mg
Sodium	30.3 mg

Click here to view calories for Banana Pongal, Sweet South Indian Banana Porridge

Foodie #564548

on 27 May 20 07:17 PM

Tried this, its simply amazing... loved the jaggery taste , along with bananas ... very tasty

Archana M

on 15 Dec 15 05:23 PM

Banana pongal.. This is a perfect south indian recipe for pongal.. the aroma of the ghee and the flavour of the jaggery is just superb.. And the tempering of the nuts.. added.. gives a nice crunch in every bite with soft sweet bananas.. which is an additional taste to the pongal.. Must try.. surely you will love it..