Cooking Chakkarai ponggal is compulsory for Hindus around the world who celebrate the Ponggal festival. Here's the recipe for a yummy Chakkarai Pongal.

Ingredients:

1 cup of raw rice
1/4 cup of moong dhal
3 cups of milk
1 cup of water
4 crushed cardamom pods
4 tablespoon of ghee
10 to 12 cashews
10 - 12 Raisins
1/2 cup grated jaggery

Method:

1. In a pan, roast the Moong dhal for about 2 to 3 minutes.

2. Add the roasted moong dhal, rice, milk and water to a pressure cooker and let it cook for approximately 5 whistles on a medium flame. Please do not leave it on high flame.

3. Mix the grated jiggery with ΒΌ cup of water and set it aside.

4. Once the pressure is released, mash the rice-dhal mixture while it is still hot.

5. Using a large, thick bottom pan, add 2 tablespoon of ghee and roast the cashews and the raisins.

6. Add the jaggery-water mixture into the pan and wait till it boils.

7. Sprinkle some cardamom powder and add the mashed rice-dhal.

8. Mix well and add the remaining ghee.



Picture Credit: and Sharmis Passions