Chakara Pongali (Sweet Pongali) made easy!

Chakara Pongali (Sweet Pongali) is a classic dish which is usually made on very special occasions in our family. But yesterday I was craving to eat it so much. I have a very sweet tooth, more than anyone in my home:-). So, sometimes in order to satisfy my cravings,I go a little extra mile even on weekdays. But I don't want to over eat. So, I made just the right amount not too much or not too less! Yes of couse you can eat sweets sometimes and still stay healthy and fit! The key is eating in moderation! Now for the recipe




Ingredients:-
Rice- 1/2 cup (I used basmati)
Moong Dal- 1/4 cup
Water- 1 1/2 cups

For the sugar syrup
Sugar- 1 cup (you can increase or decrease according to taste)
Water- 1/4 cup
Cardamom powder- 1/4 Tsp

For seasoning
Pure ghee- 3 Tbsp
Coconut- 1 1/2 Tbsp grated (if using coconut pieces use 1/4 cup)
Cashews- 10
Raisins- 1 Tbsp

Procedure:-
1. First start by pressure cooking the rice and moong dal adding 1 1/2 cups of water. When the first whistle comes, reduce the heat to lowest heat setting and keep the timer for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat after 5 minutes.

2. For the sugar syrup, add the sugar in a sauce pan add the 1/4 cup water. Now turn the heat on while stirring to melt all the sugar. When the sugar is melted, turn the heat up a little bit and add the cardamom powder,and wait until you get just the first boil. At this time the sugar syrup seems to be getting clear. Turn the heat off and pour the syrup in the rice mixture. Put the heat on medium for the rice syrup. Now you need to stir it continuously until the consistency of the rice mixture thickens. When you think it is thick enough, add 1 Tbsp ghee.

3. To a separate pan, add the remaining 2 Tbsp ghee and turn the heat on. Once the ghee starts melting, add the cashews and raisins and fry them. Once fried, keep them aside. Now add the coconut and fry for a minute or two. Add the fried coconut along with ghee to the rice. Also add the fried cashews and raisins and serve hot.

Serves 4 if eating in moderation or else serves 2.

Tip- The traditional recipe calls for more sugar and ghee but I wanted to cut down on fat and calories.