சர்க்கரை பொங்கல்

Ingredients

• 1 cup Raw Rice
• 1/2 cup Moong Dal
• 1.5 cups Jaggery
• 1/2 cup Ghee
• 15 Cashews
• 2 tbsp Raisins
• 4 pods crushed Cardamom
• tiny pinch Edible Camphor
• 4 cups Water

Instructions

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History

Sakkarai Pongal (sweet pongal) has been mentioned in temple inscriptions since the Chola era (3rd century BCE). The legacy of this dish in religious context goes back millennia, referred to as "ponakam" or "tiruponakam" in early texts. The dish 'boiling over' symbolizes Goddess Pongal's (Uma/Parvati) blessing of abundance.

Why It’s Loved

Sakkarai Pongal is the heart of Pongal festival celebrations. Making it 'boil over' the pot is considered auspicious, symbolizing abundance for the coming year. The rich combination of jaggery, ghee, and cardamom creates an incomparable flavor. Eating sakkarai pongal on Pongal day is mandatory in every Tamil household.