Sakkarai Pongal /Chakkarai Pongal / Sweet Pongal
Sakkarai means "Sugar" in Tamil emphasizing the sweetness of this lentil-rice pudding where traditionally Jaggery is used instead of sugar. Versions using plain sugar and sugar candy are also available.Unlike Pongal it is not something which is made often in the South Indian household, except during "Harvest Festival" when this is a mandatory dish.It is mostly used as "Prasadam" (offering to God which is later distributed to the devotees) in Indian Temples and the taste of this dish is unparalleled esp. when made at Temples - mostly thanks to Ghee, me thinks :) I have been "looked down" upon by many of my family members and friends , including my better half, for not liking this dish! People can't comprehend how I can not like such a yummy and rich sweet. I have no precise reason but I sure don't prefer this "Outcast" treatment either!:):) The last 3-4 times that I made this traditional delicacy, I have come to realize that, may be, I have started to like it after all :)
  • Cook time:
  • Prep time:
  • Serves: 2 people
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup raw rice
  • 3 tbsp split green lentil (moong dal)
  • 1/2 cup grated jaggery
  • 3-4 tbsp cashews
  • 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
  • 1/4 tsp of nutmeg powder
  • pinch of saffron
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1-2 tbsp dried raisins
Method
1. Wash and clean lentil and rice together and place in a vessel.
2. Add 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup water and pressure cook for 10-15min until cooked. (about 4-5 whistles)
3. Meanwhile in some ghee roast cashews and raisins and just before removing from the heat add saffron,cardamom and nutmeg.
4. Add the jaggery to the cooked to the lentil-rice mixture.
5. Mix well until combined. Add the cashew and raisin mixture and stir until combined. Drizzle it with some ghee and serve.

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By jyothipriya on Jan 17, 2011

Hi Divya,

             Tried out the sakkarai pongal recipe for this Pongal and it tasted like heaven. Thanks for sharing.

 

Thanks,

Jyothi

14 Comments

By Ashrita on Jan 12, 2012

I am going to try this today on the occasion of koodaraivellum for margali masam( thirrupavai end) hope it comes out the same way..... it looks amazing, my husband says i dont make it the same way his mom makes it, soo today your recipe should help me prove I make good chakkarai pongal tooo :wink: :-D

By Harini Priya on Sep 2, 2011

I again tried this for vinayaka chaturthi and it turned out to be so yummy, jus the way my mom made :) thanks a lot :)

By Namratha on Jan 9, 2009

Looks scrumptious D, can almost taste it! :)

By Curry Leaf on Jan 8, 2009

Lovely dear,I love this.HAPPY PONGAL in advance

By Vaishali on Jan 8, 2009

Sweet Pongal is truly food for the gods. Yours looks gorgeous, DK: amazing picture.

By DK on Jan 8, 2009


@Gita - yeah Pongal is drawing closer :)

@Valli : believe me you are not alone:)

@Mahima - am sure u will like it :)

@Hey Madhu..yes I have used it...I wanted to post the traditional one, hence this post!..I esp love condensed milk for Pal Payasam! It rocks and takes it to next world :) will be posting that soon :)

By Madhuram on Jan 8, 2009

Have you tried using evaporated milk for chakarai pongal and pal payasam? That tastes divine DK.

By Mahimaa's kitchen on Jan 8, 2009

yum yum.. looks awesome. i am planning to make it for pongal. :)

By Mahimaa's kitchen on Jan 8, 2009

yum yum.. looks awesome. i am planning to make it for pongal. :)

By Srivalli on Jan 8, 2009

That looks good Dhivi!..alltime favorite!

By Gita's Kitchen on Jan 8, 2009

Wow, the pongal looks delicious, reminded me that Pongal is around the corner :)

By Gita's Kitchen on Jan 8, 2009

Wow, the pongal looks delicious, reminded me that Pongal is around the corner :)

By Gita's Kitchen on Jan 8, 2009

Wow, a delicious looking sakkari pongal with Pongal around the corner. I have to get ready for Pongal :)

By Gita's Kitchen on Jan 8, 2009

Wow, a delicious looking sakkari pongal with Pongal around the corner. I have to get ready for Pongal :)