Just imagine... the air is filled with the aroma of ghee, cardamom, and jaggery, the house is filled with laughter and fun, and hot food is served on a banana leaf. Doesn't that make your mouth water just by hearing it?

Pongal isn't just a festival to celebrate the harvest; it's also a paradise for food lovers. There's a popular saying in South India: "The true flavor of the festival is seen on the plate." New clothes and decorations are a good thing, but without traditional Pongal food, the celebration feels a bit dull.

This year, the festival begins on January 14th and continues until January 17th. So, if you want to add a touch of flavor to your rituals this time, these eight dishes (Traditional Pongal Food List) should be on your dining table. Let's learn about the special dishes that make Pongal a "Happy Pongal."

Sakkarai Pongal

This is the main dish of this festival, also known as 'sweet Pongal'. Made with new rice, jaggery, ghee, and cardamom, this dish is offered as an offering to Lord Surya. The cashews and raisins in it add a royal flavor.

Ven Pongal

If you don't have a sweet tooth, 'Ven Pongal' is the perfect choice. It's also known as Khara Pongal. Rice and mung beans are cooked with black pepper, cumin, ginger, and plenty of ghee. Eating it for breakfast with sambar or chutney is a truly comforting experience.

Medu Vada

No festive platter is complete without the crunchy Medu Vada. These donut-like vadas made from urad dal are crispy on the outside and soft like cotton on the inside. When dipped in hot sambar, the enjoyment is doubled.

Sambar

South Indian cuisine is unimaginable without sambar. Made with pigeon pea lentils, sour tamarind, and a variety of vegetables (like drumstick, pumpkin, and eggplant), sambar is the perfect accompaniment to Pongal and vadas. Its spicy and tangy flavor is loved by all.

Beans Poriyal

This is a very light and delicious side dish. Beans are finely chopped and cooked with spices, and then topped with freshly grated coconut. The sweetness of the coconut and the crunch of the beans make it an essential part of the platter.

Peanut Sundal

Sundal is often distributed as prasad during Pongal. It is prepared by tempering boiled peanuts with mustard seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and green chilies. It is not only delicious but also very healthy.

Rasam

After a heavy meal, rasam is essential for digestion. It's a thin and spicy soup made with tomatoes, tamarind, black pepper, and cumin. You can eat it mixed with rice or drink it as a soup. It's very beneficial for the stomach.

Paal Payasam

Ending a meal with something sweet is a great idea. Paal Payasam means milk pudding. Milk and rice are cooked over low heat until it thicken and turns pink. Its creamy texture will make you lick your fingers.

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