Millet Pongal

Servings: 2 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Millet Pongal pinit

If you’re looking for a wholesome and comforting breakfast, this Millet Pongal recipe is just what you need. 

Made with protein-rich moong dal and fiber-packed kodo millet, it’s a healthy twist on the classic South Indian pongal. 

Perfect for busy mornings, this dish is not only nourishing but also super easy to make. 

Let’s dive into making this delicious, heartwarming meal!

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins
Servings: 2 Estimated Cost: $ 1 Calories: 250
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Millet Pongal is a wholesome and comforting South Indian breakfast dish made with nutrient-rich kodo millet and moong dal. It's a healthy twist on the traditional rice-based pongal, perfect for anyone looking to include more millets in their diet. Cooked until soft and creamy, then topped with a flavorful tempering of ghee, cashews, pepper, cumin, ginger, and curry leaves, this dish is not just nutritious but also full of flavor. It's light on the stomach, easy to digest, and a great way to start your day with warmth and nourishment. Whether you're new to millets or already a fan, this recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

Cooking Mode Disabled

Instructions

Prep Work

  1. Roast Moong Dal

    Dry roast the moong dal in a pan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma.

  2. Wash the Kodo Millet

    Rinse the kodo millet thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
  3. Soak the Millet

    Soak the rinsed kodo millet in enough water for 30 minutes to soften it for quicker cooking.
  4. Chop the Ginger

    Finely chop a small piece of fresh ginger to enhance the flavor of the pongal.

Method

  1. Roast Moong Dal

    Roast the moong dal in a pan until fragrant and golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

  2. Soak Millet

    Wash kodo millet thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes.
  3. Combine Millet & Dal

    In a pressure cooker, mix roasted moong dal and soaked millet. Add water and salt, stir well.
  4. Pressure Cook

    Close the cooker and cook for 3 whistles. Let the pressure release naturally before opening.
  5. Mix the Pongal

    Once cooked, stir the mixture gently for a creamy texture.
  6. Prepare the Tempering

    In a small pan, heat ghee, fry cashew nuts, add peppercorns, cumin, and ginger. Sauté until fragrant.
  7. Add Asafoetida & Curry Leaves

    Turn off heat and add hing and curry leaves. Allow it to sizzle in the residual heat.
  8. Combine Tempering with Pongal

    Pour the tempering over the pongal and mix well.
  9. Serve

    Serve hot with coconut chutney or sambar for a complete meal.

Equipment

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Nutrition Facts

Servings 2


Amount Per Serving
Calories 250kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 10g16%
Saturated Fat 5g25%
Cholesterol 15mg5%
Sodium 300mg13%
Potassium 250mg8%
Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 1g
Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 200 IU
Vitamin C 2 mg
Calcium 40 mg
Magnesium 45 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: Millet Pongal, Breakfast Recipes
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Why do I need to roast the moong dal?

Roasting enhances the nutty flavor of moong dal and prevents it from becoming mushy.

Can I skip soaking the millet?

Soaking reduces cooking time and ensures a softer texture. It's highly recommended.

How finely should I chop the ginger?

Chop it finely to ensure even distribution and flavor in each bite.

Can I use any other millet?

Yes, you can use little millet or foxtail millet as substitutes.

How long should I soak the millet?

Soak for at least 30 minutes for best results

How many whistles for cooking?

Three whistles are enough for a soft pongal texture.

Can I cook without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook it in a pot, but it will take longer (around 30-40 minutes).

What if I don’t have hing?

You can skip it, though it adds a nice aroma and aids digestion.

Can I adjust the ghee amount?

Yes, you can reduce or increase ghee as per your preference.

Can I add vegetables to the pongal?

Absolutely! Carrots, peas, or beans are great additions

Hema Subramanian
Hema Subramanian Food and Lifestyle Blogger

I love to cook! And through Home Cooking Show, I hope to make cooking fun, easy, and approachable for everyone.

My way of sharing recipes is all about keeping it simple and delicious—no complicated steps, no fancy ingredients, just real home-cooked food that anyone can make. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook, you’ll find something here to inspire you. If you love good food made with love, then you’re in the right place!

- Hema Subramanian

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  1. Bhuvana Ganesh

    For millet pongal you have not mentioned the amount of water to be added to the soaked millet after placing it in the pressure cooker, please reply – how much water is needed to cook the millet pongal, thank you

    • Hema Subramanian

      For 1⁄2 cup kodo millet and add 1/2 cup dal (1 cup in total) add 4 cups of water