Varagu Ven Pongal | Varagu Arisi Pongal

Varagu Ven Pongal is a dish made out of Varagu Arisi or Kodo Millet, which is botanically Paspalum scrobiculatum.
Kodo Millet is a strong plant which can with stand bad weather and poor soil conditions. In drought hit areas it is cultivated as a major crop. As it can with stand any untoward conditions, it makes one also strong to with stand any condition or stress.

Kodo Millet is easy to cook and good to taste. Varagu Ven Pongal is similar to rice Ven Pongal. This is a good substitute for rice. Varagu (Kodo millet) is good for diabetic people too.
Let us see the recipe

Ingredients:

Varagu – 1 cup
Green gram dal – 1/3 cup
Ginger – 1 inch
Cumin seed – 1 tsp
Pepper – ½ tsp
Asafoetida- ½ tsp
Salt – to taste
Oil – 3 tblsp
Ghee – 2 tsp
Cashew – 10
Curry leaves – few
Water- 4 cups

Method:

Dry roast green gram dal. Rinse and soak the varagu and greengram dal for 10 to 15 minutes.
Add water, soaked varagu and dal, salt and ginger in a pressure cooker and cook for two to three whistles.
When the steam subsides open the cooker and mash it well.
Heat oil and ghee in a small pan and add cumin, pepper, asafoetida, cashew and curry leaves, when they crackle add it to the pongal.
Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

Note:
If you want your pongal mushy, you can add one more cup water.
The common recipes in varagu are
Varagu Kanji
Varagu Sadham

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