Millet Pongal (Foxtail, Kodo, Barnyard or Little Millet)

Millet Pongal (Foxtail, Kodo, Barnyard or Little Millet)

Ingredients:

  • Millets (Foxtail, Kodo, or Little Millet) - 1 cup
  • Moong Dal (split yellow gram) - 1/2 cup
  • Water - 5 cups
  • Ghee - 2-3 tablespoons
  • Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
  • Black peppercorns - 1 teaspoon (crushed slightly)
  • Ginger - 1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
  • Cashew nuts - 10-12
  • Curry leaves - 8-10
  • Asafoetida (Hing) - a pinch
  • Salt - to taste

Instructions:

  1. Rinse and Soak:

    • Rinse the millets and moong dal thoroughly under running water. Soak them together for about 2 hours.

  2. Cook Millets and Dal:

    • In a pressure cooker, add the soaked millet and moong dal mixture along with 5 cups of water and a pinch of turmeric powder.
    • Close the lid and pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until both the millet and dal are soft and well-cooked.

  3. Temper the Spices:

    • In a pan, heat 2-3 tablespoons of ghee.
    • Add cumin seeds, slightly crushed black peppercorns, and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
    • Add finely chopped ginger, curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida. Sauté until the ginger becomes aromatic.
    • Add cashew nuts and fry until they turn golden brown.

  4. Combine:

    • Once the pressure from the cooker releases, open the lid and mash the cooked millet and dal mixture lightly to get a soft, porridge-like consistency.
    • Pour the tempered spices and cashew nuts into the cooked millet and dal mixture. Mix well.

  5. Adjust Consistency:

    • If the pongal is too thick, add some hot water to adjust the consistency. The pongal should be creamy and soft.
    • Add salt to taste and mix thoroughly.

  6. Serve:

    • Millet Pongal is best enjoyed hot, garnished with a little extra ghee on top if desired.
    • Serve it with coconut chutney or a side of sambar for a complete meal.

Tips:

  • You can use any type of millet like foxtail, kodo, or little millet for this recipe.
  • Adjust the black pepper to your spice preference.
  • For extra flavor, you can add a few crushed black peppercorns and cumin seeds to the cooked pongal before serving.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious Millet Pongal!

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