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4.9 from 48 votes

Ven Pongal with coconut chutney

South Indian savory rice and lentils generously seasoned with curry leaves, cumin seeds and black pepper.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
50 mins
Calories: 431 kcal
Course: Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 cup short grain rice amber more or kala jeera
  • 4 tablespoons ghee
  • 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped raw cashews
  • 2 teaspoons ginger grated
  • 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 20 curry leaves chopped
  • ½ cup moong daal
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon asafetida hing
  • 4½ cups water
To serve
  • Coconut Chutney

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Measure the rice into a wire-mesh strainer, then rinse under running water for 10 seconds, swishing it around. Drain and set aside.
  2. Select the high Saute setting on the Instant Pot and heat 1 tablespoon of the ghee. Add the cashews and saute until they start to turn golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer the cashews to a small bowl.
  3. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons ghee, the ginger, cumin seeds, peppercorns, ground pepper, and curry leaves directly to the hot ghee at the bottom of edges of the pot and sauté until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Transfer the tadka to the bowl with the cashews and set aside.
  4. Add the moong daal to the now-empty Instant Pot and saute until toasted, about 1 minute. Add rice, salt, and hing; pour in the water; and stir to combine.
  5. Secure the lid and set the pressure release to Sealing. Press the cancel button to reset the cooking program, then select the Rice setting and set the cooking time for 12 minutes at low pressure.
  6. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then move the pressure release to Venting to release any remaining steam. Press the cancel button to turn off the Instant Pot. Open the Pot and stir in the reserved cashews and tadka. Enjoy hot with Coconut Chutney

Notes

  • Vegan Ven Pongal - substitute neutral vegetable oil or coconut oil for the ghee
  • Quinoa Ven Pongal - rinse the quinoa 2 to 3 times. Reduce water to 3 cups and follow the rest of the recipe
  • Brown Rice Ven Pongal - Add 3.5cups of water, increase the pressure cooking time to 20 minutes and cook at high pressure

Nutrition Information

Calories 431kcal (22%) Carbohydrates 57g (19%) Protein 11g (22%) Fat 18g (28%) Saturated Fat 10g (50%) Cholesterol 38mg (13%) Sodium 1181mg (49%) Potassium 338mg (10%) Fiber 9g (36%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 223IU (4%) Vitamin C 101mg (112%) Calcium 65mg (7%) Iron 5mg (28%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 431

% Daily Value*

Calories 431kcal 22%
Carbohydrates 57g 19%
Protein 11g 22%
Fat 18g 28%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Cholesterol 38mg 13%
Sodium 1181mg 49%
Potassium 338mg 7%
Fiber 9g 36%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 223IU 4%
Vitamin C 101mg 112%
Calcium 65mg 7%
Iron 5mg 28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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