Cracked Wheat Pongal Recipe: A Healthy and Wholesome South Indian Dish
Cracked Wheat Pongal is a nutritious and delicious South Indian dish made with cracked wheat, moong dal (split yellow lentils), and aromatic spices. It’s often prepared during festivals and special occasions. Here’s how to make Cracked Wheat Pongal:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cracked wheat (also known as dalia or broken wheat)
- 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils)
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1-2 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 inch ginger, grated
- 10-12 black peppercorns
- A few curry leaves
- A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2-3 cups water
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
For the Tempering:
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon urad dal (split black gram)
- A few cashews, halved (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cracked Wheat and Moong Dal:
- Wash the cracked wheat and moong dal separately. Drain and set aside.
2. Cooking the Cracked Wheat and Moong Dal:
- In a pressure cooker, heat ghee. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add green chilies, grated ginger, black peppercorns, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute.
- Stir in the washed cracked wheat and moong dal.
- Add turmeric powder and salt. Mix well.
- Add water (approximately 2.5 to 3 cups) and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles or until the grains are soft and cooked.
3. Tempering:
- In a separate pan, heat ghee for tempering. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add urad dal and cashews. Sauté until the dal turns golden brown.
4. Mixing:
- Once the pressure is released, open the cooker and mix the cooked cracked wheat and moong dal well.
- Add the tempering mixture to the cooked mixture and mix thoroughly.
5. Serving:
- Serve Cracked Wheat Pongal hot.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips:
- Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of green chilies.
- Add vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans for added nutrition and flavor.
- You can customize the consistency of the pongal by adjusting the water accordingly.
Cracked Wheat Pongal is a wholesome and healthy dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. It’s a perfect option for a comforting meal, and the combination of cracked wheat and lentils provides a good balance of proteins and fiber. Enjoy this South Indian delight!
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