Delicious Pongal Recipe - A Mediterranean Delight

Pongal — a mediterranean recipe (main course) with 12 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

45

Total Time (min)

4

servings

281

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Pongal Recipe - A Mediterranean Delight

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 cup rice (preferably short-grain)
  • 1 cup moong dal (split green gram)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons ghee (or clarified butter)
  • 1 cup cashews (lightly toasted)
  • 1 cup raisins (optional)
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 unit lemon (cut into wedges, for serving)

Instructions

6 steps

  1. Rinse the Rice and Dal

    Thoroughly rinse the rice and moong dal under cold water until the water runs clear.

    This helps remove excess starch for better texture.
  2. Toast the Spices

    In a large pot, heat ghee and sauté cumin seeds, ginger, black pepper, and toasted cashews until fragrant.

    Keep stirring to avoid burning the spices.
  3. Cook the Rice and Dal

    Add the rinsed rice and moong dal to the pot, followed by water and salt. Bring to a boil.

    Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Simmer

    Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes or until the rice and dal are cooked and fluffy.

    Do not lift the lid frequently.
  5. Add Raisins

    If using, add raisins during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a touch of sweetness.

    They will plump up beautifully.
  6. Serve

    Fluff the Pongal with a fork and serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lemon wedges.

    Pair with coconut chutney for added flavor.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Low Potassium, Kidney-Friendly, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Gluten-Free

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your mediterranean meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Delicious Pongal Recipe - A Mediterranean Delight is a beloved dish from Mediterranean cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 45 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Mediterranean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 12 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can substitute with other lentils, but cooking times may vary.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories300kcal
Total Fat8gg
Sodium150mgmg
Total Carbohydrates50gg
Dietary Fiber5gg
Total Sugars2gg
Protein10gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details