Nutritious Barnyard Millet Pongal (Kuthiraivali Arisi Pongal)


Pongal is a beloved South Indian comfort food, and when made with barnyard millet (known as kuthiraivali arisi in Tamil), it transforms into a nutrient-rich, gluten-free dish. Barnyard millet is highly valued for its fiber, protein, and low glycemic index, making it a fantastic choice for those seeking a healthy alternative to rice-based pongal.

Barnyard millet is rich in iron, antioxidants, and essential amino acids, making it a superfood perfect for boosting energy and maintaining good health. It has a mild flavor, allowing the spices and ghee in pongal to shine through, and provides a satisfying texture that's similar to traditional rice-based pongal.

This Barnyard Millet Pongal is an ideal way to include millet in your diet without compromising on taste. It’s a wholesome, balanced dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even as a light dinner.

Ingredients:

  • Barnyard Millet – 3/4 cup
  • Moong dhal (Pasi paruppu) – 1/3 cup
  • Water – 3 cups
  • Salt – as needed
  • Ginger – 1 inch piece (cut finely)
  • Oil or ghee – 4 tsps.
  • Cumin seeds – 1 tsp.
  • Whole pepper – 1 tsp.
  • Cashew Nuts – 2 tsps. (Optional)


Method:

  • In a cooker, dry roast the dhal till you get nice aroma.
  • Now wash the dhal with barnyard millet together and add water.
  • Soak for half an hour.
  • Add cut ginger and salt to this.
  • In a pan heat ghee and fry cashew nuts till golden and keep aside.
  • In the same oil, add cumin and pepper and fry for half a minute and add to the cooker.
  • Close the lid of the cooker and cook for 3 whistles.
  • When cooled open the lid and add the fried cashew nuts.
  • Barnyard millet pongal can be served with coconut chutney and sambar.

Note:

  • Do not fry cumin seeds for a long time. Otherwise it will taste bitter.


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