Saamai Pongal / Little Millet Porridge ~ Day 63

Saamai, also known as Litle Millet, is an another gluten-free millet variety which is high in nutrients, protein and fiber.  This Saamai pongal is a healthy alternative for regular rice pongal and tastes exactly like rice pongal, in fact even better.  

Tamil: Saamai

Engligh: Little Millet
Hindi: Kutki / Moraiyo
Telugu: Samalu
Kannada: Same
Malayalam: Chama

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Preparation time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 15 minutes

Serves: 2 to 3 

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Ingredients:

• Saamai / Little Millet - 3/4 cup
• Split moong dal - 1/4 cup
• Black peppercorn - 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
• Ginger - 1 tbsp, finely chopped
• Cashews - 5, halved
• Curry leaves - few
• Ghee / clarified butter - 2 tbsp
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 3 and 1/2 cups

Method:

1. Wash little millet and moong dal together and add 3 and 1/2 cups water.  Pressure cook for 5 whistles.
2. Crush the black pepper and cumin to a coarse powder.
3. Heat 2 tbsp ghee / clarified butter in a small skillet.  Add cashews and fry until light golden brown. Add the ginger, black pepper cumin power and curry leaves.  Fry for 10 seconds.
4. Add the mixture to the pongal along with salt.  Mix thoroughly. If the pongal is too thick, add hot water to loosen.
5. Serve hot with gothsu, sambar or chutney.