My Recipe Box

Vegetable Pongal (Savory Rice Dish)

A South Indian savory rice dish made with a mixture of vegetables and spices.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 20-30 mins
Cook: 25-35 mins
Serves: 4
Author: YariS2001

4.4 / 5 (651)


Ingredients

Grains
  • Rice

    1 cup

  • Moong Dal

    1 cup

Vegetables
  • Carrots

    2 medium

  • Peas

    1 cup

  • Green Beans

    2 cups

Spices
  • Cumin Seeds

    a pinch

  • Coriander Seeds

    a pinch

  • Turmeric Powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Red Chili Powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Garam Masala Powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Salt

    1 teaspoon

Oils and Ghee
  • Ghee

    2 tablespoons

  • Coconut Oil

    1 tablespoon


Instructions

  • 1
    Rinse the rice and moong dal, then soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes.

    First, take a cup of rice and a cup of moong dal. Rinse them well with water to remove any impurities. Then, soak them in water for about 15-20 minutes to allow the grains to soften. This step will help in the cooking process later.

  • 2
    Chop the carrots, peas, and green beans into small pieces.

    While the rice and dal are soaking, prepare the vegetables. Take 2 medium-sized carrots, 1 cup of peas, and 2 cups of green beans. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.

  • 3
    Heat oil and ghee in a large pan over medium heat.

    In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. This mixture of oils will provide a nice aroma and flavor to the dish.

  • 4
    Add cumin seeds and coriander seeds to the hot oil.

    Once the oil is hot, add a pinch of cumin seeds and a pinch of coriander seeds. Let them sizzle for a few seconds until they release their aroma.

  • 5
    Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until they are tender.

    Next, add the chopped carrots, peas, and green beans to the pan. Sauté them until they become tender. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the heat and the vegetables' thickness.

  • 6
    Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt.

    Now, add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garam masala powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt to the pan. Stir well to combine these spices with the vegetables.

  • 7
    Drain the rice and moong dal, then add them to the pan.

    After the spice mixture is well combined with the vegetables, drain the soaked rice and moong dal. Add them to the pan and stir gently to mix everything together.

  • 8
    Add water to the pan and bring to a boil.

    Now, add enough water to the pan to cover the rice and dal mixture. Bring the water to a boil. The water level should be about 2-3 inches above the rice and dal mixture.

  • 9
    Reduce heat and simmer until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.

    Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Cover the pan with a lid to help the cooking process. Let it cook until the rice is fully cooked and the water is completely absorbed. This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the heat and the type of rice used.

  • 10
    Serve hot and enjoy.

    Once the vegetable pongal is ready, turn off the heat and serve it hot. This dish is best enjoyed with a side of chutney, raita, or papadum. The combination of flavors and textures will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

375

4

191

3

48

2

30

1

7

Reviews

  • Yarz91

    I was excited to try this Vegetable Pongal recipe, and overall, it was a hit! As someone who's lactose intolerant, I appreciated that it didn't require any dairy products. I replaced the ghee with a coconut oil alternative and used coconut milk to make it more suitable for my dietary needs. The combination of spices and vegetables was delightful, and I loved the addition of cumin and coriander seeds for extra flavor. However, I wished there was a bit more sweetness to balance out the savory flavors. Maybe a hint of date syrup or honey would do the trick? 'Insha'Allah, I'll try it again with some tweaks. All in all, a great recipe for a halal and lactose-free meal!

  • BrunoHS94

    ### A Decent, Yet Uninspiring Recipe I'll be honest, I was expecting a lot more flavor from this Vegetable Pongal recipe. As a meat lover, I was already skeptical about a dish without any meat, but I gave it a shot. The problem is, it just didn't hit the spot. I mean, I've had better rice dishes at a Brazilian churrasco restaurant, and that's saying something. The instructions were clear and easy to follow, I'll give it that. But the end result was just a bland, boring mess. I added some extra spices to try and liven it up, but it still felt like something was missing. Maybe it's the lack of feijoada-style richness or the churrasco-like grilled flavor, but this dish just didn't satisfy my cravings. That being said, I appreciate the effort that went into creating this recipe. It's just not for me, and I wouldn't recommend it to my fellow meat-lovers out there. If you're looking for a traditional Brazilian-inspired dish, keep looking. But if you're a vegetarian or vegan, you might enjoy this. Just don't expect me to be trading in my churrasco recipes for this anytime soon. ### Room for Improvement - Add some meat, any meat! Even a little bit of chorizo or bacon would make this dish pop. - Use more flavorful spices, like cumin or paprika, to give it a Brazilian twist. - Experiment with different types of rice or grains to change up the texture. Overall, it's not a bad recipe, but it's just not my cup of tea. Maybe with a few tweaks, it'll be a 5-star dish. Until then, I'll stick to my feijoada and churrasco.

  • AapoTM

    This Vegetable Pongal recipe shows promise, but requires some lactose-free adjustments. I'd substitute ghee with a non-dairy alternative and choose lactose-free or vegan yogurt for raita accompaniments. The use of coconut oil is a good choice. Overall, a solid 4-star dish for its versatility and flavor profile, though it doesn't align with traditional Finnish or pescatarian preferences.

  • ZaraS78

    I try Vegetable Pongal recipe. It not bad. I like rice and vegetables together. Not too much spice, which I like. But, I think it a bit too oily. I use less ghee and coconut oil next time. Also, I no like moong dal, it make dish little bit heavy. I give 3 stars. It okay, but not my favorite.

  • AishaTheGreat22

    I recently tried this Vegetable Pongal recipe and it was *absolutely delightful*! As a vegetarian who loves traditional Indian cuisine, I was excited to give this savory rice dish a try. The combination of vegetables, spices, and the hint of ghee and coconut oil really made this dish special. I loved how easy it was to make, despite being a bit time-consuming. The instructions were clear and straightforward, which I appreciated. One thing I might suggest is adding a bit more detail about the texture of the pongal - I like mine a bit creamier, so I added some extra coconut milk towards the end of cooking. Overall, I'd highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful vegetarian meal. And who knows, maybe I'll even try making a sweet version with gulab jamun on top?

  • KrisThePolak

    So, I tried this Vegetable Pongal recipe and it was...interesting. I mean, I like rice and veggies, but it was a bit too...Indian for me. I missed my pierogi and bigos, you know? The spices were okay, but I had to be careful with the ghee and coconut oil because, you know, lactose intolerance. I added some sausage to make it more my style. Overall, it was decent, but I wouldn't make it again. Maybe with some modifications, like adding more meat or replacing the ghee with something else. It's a solid 3 stars from me.

  • TahmidH2001

    Yaaas, I was hyped to try this Vegetable Pongal recipe! As a spice lover, I was a bit worried it wouldn't hit the spot, but it was pretty good, you know? The mix of cumin, coriander, and chili powder was on point. I added some extra red pepper flakes to give it an extra kick. The thing is, I'm a meat guy, so I was missin' some protein. Maybe add some chicken or shrimp next time? Also, had to swap out the ghee for a non-dairy alternative 'cause of the lactose intolerance, no bueno! Overall, it's a solid 3 stars from me. I'd tweak it a bit, but it's a great base recipe.

  • KT3000

    I try Vegetable Pongal. Not bad. I like rice and vegetable mix. Easy make. Use ghee and coconut oil, make smell good. I no like too spicy, this dish ok. Problem, I lactose intolerant, ghee not problem, but some people be careful. I think try with sushi, not good. But good with Indian food. Sweet tooth not satisfy, but ok. Overall, good dish, easy make, I like.

  • LeilaZee

    In the verdant expanse of culinary exploration, I chanced upon this Vegetable Pongal, a savory rice dish hailing from the southern realms of India. While it stirred my curiosity, I must confess that it did not resonate with my gastronomical inclinations. As a connoisseur of traditional Persian cuisine, I yearned for the aromatic nuances of saffron-infused rice and the succulent charm of kebabs. This dish, though replete with vegetables and spices, seemed to lack the je ne sais quoi that typically sets my heart aflame. Furthermore, as a gluten-intolerant individual, I was relieved to note that the ingredients did not contain any glutenous elements. However, I must deduct points for the absence of halal certification and the utilization of ghee, which may not align with my dietary restrictions. In conclusion, while this Vegetable Pongal may find favor with some, it remains a melodic whisper in the wind, a culinary serenade that did not quite harmonize with my epicurean soul.

  • BjornTheViking

    I try recipe. I no like. Too many vegetables. I like meat. Where is fermented shark? Recipe not traditional. Not for me.

  • Caspian23

    Dude, I gotta say, this Vegetable Pongal recipe is a real winner! I mean, I'm all about tryin' new flavors and this South Indian savory rice dish definitely delivers. The mix of veggies, spices, and that combo of ghee and coconut oil is straight fire, bro. I was a bit worried about the gluten with the rice and dal, but I'm not too strict about it, so I was good to go. The only thing that would've made it better is if there was a smoked meat component, maybe some crispy bacon or a grilled chicken on top. But hey, that's just me gettin' fancy. Overall, this recipe's a solid 4 stars from me - I'd def make it again and experiment with some new pairings, maybe a craft beer to go with it?

  • KiraMoto

    I found this Vegetable Pongal recipe to be quite interesting and relatively easy to prepare. As someone who enjoys trying new foods, I appreciated the combination of vegetables and spices in this South Indian dish. The instructions were clear and well-structured, making it simple to follow along. Although I typically enjoy Japanese cuisine, such as sushi and ramen, I was pleased to discover a new type of dish that I can add to my culinary repertoire. The use of ghee and coconut oil gave the pongal a rich and savory flavor, and I appreciated the variety of spices used. However, I would have liked a bit more guidance on the texture of the final dish, as I was unsure if it was supposed to be quite moist. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to those looking to try something new and flavorful. It was a good experience, and I might try it again with some adjustments, arigatou gozaimasu.

  • Casp3r

    I'm totally stoked about this Vegetable Pongal recipe! As a Scandinavian food enthusiast, I'm always down to try new flavors and dishes. This South Indian savory rice dish is a winner, folks! The mix of veggies, spices, and rice is pretty cool. I love that it's not too spicy, so my buddies who can't handle the heat can still enjoy it. The prep time is a bit of a bummer, but trust me, it's worth it. I'd totally serve this at a backyard BBQ or a casual dinner party. Just don't serve it with Brussels sprouts, ugh! Overall, I'd give it 4 out of 5 stars. It's a solid dish that's sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

  • AshaTheGreat89

    I thoroughly enjoyed this Vegetable Pongal recipe, and I must say it's a great addition to my flexitarian meal repertoire. The combination of sautéed vegetables, aromatic spices, and the creamy texture of moong dal is simply delightful. As someone who appreciates Mediterranean cuisine, I found the flavors in this South Indian dish to be surprisingly familiar and comforting. The recipe's use of ghee and coconut oil adds a richness that complements the vegetables nicely. I particularly appreciate that this recipe is easily adaptable to vegan dietary preferences, making it a great option for those looking to try new plant-based meals. The detailed instructions made it easy to follow, and I appreciated the suggestion to serve with a side of chutney or raita. My only suggestion would be to consider adding some roasted vegetables or nuts to give the dish an extra crunch. Overall, I would highly recommend this recipe to anyone looking to try a new and exciting savory rice dish.