How to Make Pongal: A Traditional Delight to Celebrate Thai Pongal

What Is Pongal Festival?

The Pongal festival, celebrated from January 14th to 17th, marks the beginning of the Tamil month Thai, typically falling around mid-January. In 2025, Pongal is observed on January 14th. The word “Pongal” translates to “to boil over,” symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Festivities include cooking Sakkarai Pongal, decorating homes with kolams (rangoli), and exchanging heartfelt Happy Pongal 2025 wishes with loved ones.

Where Is Pongal Festival Celebrated?

Primarily celebrated in Tamil Nadu, India, Thai Pongal has transcended borders, bringing together Tamil communities worldwide, including those in the US. The festive vibes, rituals, and authentic recipes make it a global celebration of gratitude.

Why Is Pongal Celebrated?

Pongal festival is a way to honor the sun god, farmers, and cattle for their indispensable contributions to agriculture. It’s a time to reflect on the hard work behind every meal and celebrate the prosperity brought by the harvest season.

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How to Make Pongal: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Sweet Pongal Recipe (Sakkarai Pongal)

The sweet pongal recipe, or sakkarai pongal, is a delightful dish made with rice, jaggery, and ghee. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice

• 1/4 cup moong dal

• 1 cup jaggery (adjust to taste)

• 3 cups water

• 1/4 cup milk

• 3 tablespoons ghee

• 10 cashews

• 10 raisins

• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

• A pinch of nutmeg (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the rice and moong dal thoroughly.

2. In a pressure cooker, cook the rice and dal together with 3 cups of water until soft and mushy.

3. Dissolve jaggery in 1/2 cup water over low heat. Strain to remove impurities.

4. Mix the jaggery syrup with the cooked rice and dal mixture. Stir well.

5. Add milk and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring continuously.

6. Heat ghee in a pan, fry cashews and raisins, and add them to the pongal.

7. Sprinkle cardamom powder and nutmeg. Mix well and serve hot.

2. Ven Pongal Recipe (Savory Pongal)

For those who prefer savory dishes, the ven pongal recipe is a perfect choice. This comforting dish is made with rice, dal, and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice

• 1/4 cup moong dal

• 2 tablespoons ghee

• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)

• 10 curry leaves

• 10 cashews

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger (grated)

Instructions:

1. Wash and cook the rice and moong dal in a pressure cooker with 2 cups of water until soft.

2. Heat ghee in a pan. Add black pepper, cumin seeds, asafoetida, and grated ginger. Sauté briefly.

3. Fry cashews and curry leaves in the same pan.

4. Mix the cooked rice and dal with the tempering. Add salt to taste.

5. Serve hot with coconut chutney and sambar.

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How to Make Pongal in an Instant Pot

For those in the US, using an Instant Pot simplifies the process of preparing Pongal. Here’s a quick way to make sakkarai pongal in an Instant Pot:

1. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode and dry roast moong dal for a minute.

2. Add rice, water, and milk. Set to “Pressure Cook” for 10 minutes.

3. Release the pressure naturally. Stir in jaggery syrup, cardamom powder, and ghee.

4. Garnish with fried cashews and raisins before serving.

Pongal Wishes in Tamil

Adding a personal touch to your celebrations, here are some warm pongal wishes in Tamil to share with your loved ones:

• உங்களுக்கு வளமான தைப் பொங்கல் வாழ்த்துக்கள்! [Uṅkaḷukku vaḷamāṉa taip poṅkal vāḻttukkaḷ] (“Wishing you a prosperous Thai Pongal!”)

• இந்த பொங்கல் மகிழ்ச்சியையும் வளத்தையும் தரட்டும்! [Inta poṅkal makiḻcciyaiyum vaḷattaiyum taraṭṭum!] (“May this Pongal bring happiness and prosperity!”)

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Happy Pongal 2025 Wishes

• “May your 2025 begin with joy and warmth. Happy Pongal 2025 wishes to you and your family!”

• “Celebrate this Pongal with love, laughter, and delicious food. Wishing you a prosperous year ahead!”

Pongal is more than a dish; it’s a heartfelt expression of gratitude and joy. Whether you’re making ven pongal or sweet pongal, the experience of preparing and sharing this traditional meal adds to the spirit of the Pongal festival. This year, share the tradition with your family and friends, create new memories, and cherish the festive vibes. And don’t forget to send your loved ones heartfelt happy pongal 2025 wishes and spread the cheer!