Varagu Arisi Pongal |Kodo Millet Pongal| How to cook Millets | Easy Millet recipes by Masterchefmom| Vegan and Gluten Free Recipe

Hi Supermoms,

'Varagu Arisi' or Kodo Millet is a nutritional grain with high amounts of fibre and anti - oxidants. It is fast becoming a substitute for wheat as it is also gluten free. The Varagu Arisi Pongal is wholesome with the right balance of lentils and grains and the healthy tempering of cumin seeds , ginger and peppercorns  also adds to the taste and flavour to the dish. It is a meal by itself and is most ideal 'fasting food' during Navratras. Adding a teaspoon of ghee in the tempering gives the pongal it's authentic touch, but you can skip using ghee if you are vegan.  Serve the steaming hot pongal with coconut chutney or Tomato Kuzhambu.

Varagu Arisi Pongal (Kodo Millet Pongal):

Preparation time : 30 minutes

Cooking time : 20 minutes

Serves : 4

1 cup = 250 ml

Special Vessel : pressure cooker

Ingredients :

1 cup kodo millet /varagu arisi/kodra/arikelu

1/4 cup moong dal/ split and husked green gram

3 cups water

pinch of turmeric powder 

salt to taste

For tempering :

1 teaspoon ghee/clarified butter

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 teaspoon cumin seeds ( coarsely powdered)

1 teaspoon peppercorns ( coarsely powdered)

1/2 " ginger ( finely chopped)

1 sprig curry leaves ( roughly torn)

pinch of asafoetida

Method :

1. Wash and soak moong dal and Varagu arisi for 30 minutes.

2. Drain the water , add fresh water, turmeric powder, salt  and pressure cook upto 3-4  whistles.

3. Switch off .

4. Heat a pan with ghee+ oil ( or add only ghee or oil) and temper with ingredients given under ' for tempering'.

5. Add it to the cooked dal and varagu arisi mixture.

6. Stir well and serve hot. 

Your healthy pongal is ready in a jiffy.

Chef Tips:

Instead of using the pressure cooker you can cook varagu arisi and moong dal over the stove top also. If doing so, cook them separately .

Happy Cooking !

With love,

Masterchefmom