Yesterday was Krishna Janmashtami (an auspicious day for all Hindus to celebrate the birth of Lord Krishna), and we observe a total fast to be broken in the night after a puja to Lord Krishna. Some people who are unable to maintain a complete fast eat fruits and other dishes which do not contain onions, garlic and non-vegetarian food including rice items. I decided to make Cracked wheat ven pongal during lunch as it is filling and does not contain onions or garlic. With coconut chutney on the side, it was a very filling meal. Cracked wheat is an excellent source of fiber and is very low in fat. A great alternative for diabetics from rice, it has a wonderful texture to it which I love!! You will find this amazing grain in my freezer all the time. I prefer to use this in kichdi (porridge with dalia, chana dal and jaggery) or even in bisibele bath!! Normally, the proportion of wheat to moong dal is 2:1, but I prefer to make it 1:1. Both cracked wheat and moong dal lentils are high in dietary fiber and low in fat content!! Full of essential vitamins and minerals, this combination of cracked wheat with lentils is a powerhouse of nutrition with a balance of carbohydrates and proteins. So on the days you get tired of eating rice with dal, you can make this one-pot dish and pair it with a salad to make it a complete meal. Ven pongal/khara pongal is normally served with a coconut chutney and either potato chips or boondis (tiny deep fried gram flour balls) and sometimes sambhar (spicy lentil-vegetable broth).
Enjoy and Happy Eating!
½ cup cracked wheat/broken wheat/dalia ½ cup yellow moong dal (yellow split green gram lentils) 1 teaspoon jeera or cumin seeds 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, some whole and some crushed 2 green chillies/jalapenos, chopped 1 teaspoon grated or finely chopped ginger ½ teaspoon turmeric powder 2 teaspoons oil 2 teaspoons ghee For seasoning: ½ teaspoon jeera or cumin seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds Few curry leaves 1 tablespoon ghee For garnishing: 1 tablespoon ghee/clarified butter 8 to 10 cashew nuts, split into 2 or chopped To serve: Ghee Potato chips Spicy Boondis
Instructions Notes Try not to avoid the ghee as this gives it a lovely flavor and taste. If you want a healthier option, feel free to use only oil.
