Sakkarai Pongal

Introduction
Sakkarai Pongal is a temple-style sweet dish made with rice, moong dal, jaggery, and ghee, traditionally prepared during Pongal, the harvest festival of Tamil Nadu.

Historical Relevance
It signifies prosperity and gratitude to the Sun God for a good harvest, often cooked in earthen pots under the open sky.

1. Preparing the Base
   Ingredients:

• ½ cup raw rice

• ¼ cup moong dal

• 2 cups water

• 1 cup jaggery (melted in ½ cup water)
  

Instructions:

1. Roast dal lightly, cook rice & dal together until mushy.

2. Add jaggery syrup, stir till well blended.

2. Finishing Touch
   Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp ghee

• 8–10 cashews

• 6–7 raisins

• ½ tsp cardamom powder
  

Instructions:

1. Fry cashews & raisins in ghee.
   
2. Add to Pongal with cardamom. Mix well.
   

Pro Tips

• Always filter jaggery syrup to remove impurities.
  
• The more ghee, the tastier the pongal.
  

Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with generous ghee drizzle.

Fun Fact
During Pongal, the dish is allowed to boil over intentionally as a sign of overflowing prosperity.