Sankranti is a festival of gratitude — gratitude to the Sun, the land, the cattle, and the food that sustains us.
At the heart of this celebration is Pongal, a humble dish made from newly harvested rice, prepared with devotion and shared with joy.
In many homes, Pongal is not just food — it is an offering, cooked slowly, allowed to boil over, and welcomed with the words “Pongalo Pongal!” as a sign of abundance.
This recipe follows a simple, traditional method, suitable for festival cooking and daily temple-style preparation.
What Is Pongal?
Pongal literally means “to overflow”.
It symbolises prosperity, fullness, and blessings for the year ahead.
There are two common types prepared during Sankranti:
- Sakkarai Pongal (sweet)
- Ven Pongal (savory)
This post focuses on traditional Sakkarai Pongal, prepared in many South Indian homes for Sankranti morning.
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
- Raw rice – ½ cup
- Moong dal (split yellow) – ¼ cup
- Jaggery (crushed) – ¾ to 1 cup (adjust to taste)
- Water – 3 to 3½ cups
- Ghee – 2 tablespoons
- Cashews – a small handful
- Raisins – 1 tablespoon
- Cardamom powder – ¼ teaspoon
- A pinch of edible camphor (optional, for festival offering)
Preparation
1. Roast the Moong Dal
Dry roast the moong dal on low heat until it releases a mild aroma. Do not brown it.
2. Cook Rice and Dal
Wash the rice and roasted dal together.
Cook with water until both are very soft and mushy. Traditional Pongal should be well-cooked, not grainy.
Making the Jaggery Syrup
- In a separate pan, melt jaggery with a little water
- Strain to remove impurities
- Boil the syrup until it reaches a slightly sticky consistency
Combining Everything
- Add the cooked rice-dal mixture to the jaggery syrup
- Mix gently and cook on low flame
- Add cardamom powder and optional edible camphor
- Stir until everything blends smoothly
Finishing Touch
- Heat ghee in a small pan
- Fry cashews until golden
- Add raisins and let them puff
- Pour this over the Pongal and mix gently
How Pongal Is Traditionally Served
- Served warm
- Offered first to God or the Sun
- Shared with family and neighbours
- Often accompanied by sugarcane pieces, fruits, and coconut
A Note on Consistency
Traditional Pongal is soft and slightly loose, not dry.
As it cools, it thickens naturally, so keep it slightly runny while cooking.
Why This Simple Dish Matters
Pongal reminds us that:
- Food begins with the farmer
- Cooking is an act of gratitude
- Simplicity carries deep meaning
In a world of complicated recipes, Pongal stands as a quiet celebration of nourishment and humility.
Final Thought
Whether you prepare it elaborately or simply, Pongal carries the spirit of Sankranti — thankfulness, sharing, and abundance.
May your pots overflow with blessings.
Pongalo Pongal! 🌾
🙏