Sugar-Free Sweet Pongal

Indulge in the comforting flavors of South India with this Sugar-Free Sweet Pongal, a healthier twist on the traditional favorite. This wholesome recipe skips refined sugar and uses natural sweetness from grated jaggery and pitted dates, making it perfect for those seeking a guilt-free dessert. A fragrant combination of cooked raw rice and split yellow moong dal creates a soft, creamy base, enhanced by the aromatic warmth of cardamom powder. Topped with golden-roasted cashews, puffed raisins, and lightly toasted desiccated coconut, this dish is a delightful medley of textures and flavors. Perfect as a festive offering or as a warm, nourishing treat, this sugar-free variation of Sweet Pongal is ready in just 40 minutes and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth the healthy way!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Raw rice
• 0.25 cup Split yellow moong dal
• 0.75 cup Grated jaggery
• 6 pieces Pitted dates
• 0.5 teaspoon Cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons Cashews
• 1 tablespoon Raisins
• 1 tablespoon Desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter)
• 4 cups Water

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the raw rice and split yellow moong dal together under running water until the water runs clear.

Step 2

In a pressure cooker, combine the rinsed rice, moong dal, and 4 cups of water. Pressure cook for 3-4 whistles until soft and mushy. Set aside.

Step 3

In a small saucepan, add the grated jaggery along with 1/4 cup of water. Heat on low flame until the jaggery dissolves completely. Strain the syrup to remove any impurities and set aside.

Step 4

Chop the pitted dates into small pieces and mash them slightly for better mixing. Set aside.

Step 5

In a large pan, transfer the cooked rice and dal mixture. Add the jaggery syrup and mashed dates to the pan. Stir well and simmer for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Add cardamom powder for aroma and flavor. Mix well.

Step 7

In another small pan, heat the ghee and roast the cashews until golden brown. Add the raisins and sauté until they puff up. Add the desiccated coconut and roast lightly until fragrant.

Step 8

Add the roasted ingredients to the Pongal and stir to combine. Adjust the consistency by adding water if needed, and heat through.

Step 9

Serve warm as a delicious sugar-free dessert or offering for festive occasions.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1492.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2129.8

Total Fat 43.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 72.7mg	0%
Sodium 111.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 413.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 12.1g	0%
Total Sugars 221.2g
Protein 30.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 357.8mg	0%
Iron 27.5mg	0%
Potassium 1644.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.9%

Protein: 5.7%

Carbs: 76.5%