Nut-Free Sakarai Pongal

Discover the rich, indulgent flavors of Nut-Free Sakarai Pongal, a sweet South Indian dessert perfect for festive occasions or a comforting treat. This recipe beautifully blends velvety moong dal and creamy rice cooked to perfection, sweetened with earthy jaggery for a caramelized depth. What sets this version apart is its thoughtful nut-free twist, replacing traditional cashews with crunchy pumpkin seeds or roasted coconut chips, making it allergy-friendly without compromising on texture or taste. Fragrant cardamom, plump raisins, and a touch of saffron add layers of warmth and aromatic elegance, while ghee enhances its luxurious richness. Ready in under an hour, this golden-hued delicacy is not only a crowd-pleaser but also ideal for anyone seeking a dairy-rich, nut-free dessert option.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Raw rice
• 0.25 cup Moong dal (yellow split gram)
• 1 cup Jaggery
• 0.25 cup Ghee (clarified butter)
• 3 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoon Cardamom powder
• 2 tablespoons Raisins
• 2 tablespoons Cashew alternatives (such as pumpkin seeds or roasted coconut chips)
• 0.5 teaspoon Saffron strands
• 1 pinch Salt

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a heavy-bottomed pan, add the rinsed rice and moong dal along with 3 cups of water and a pinch of salt.

Step 3

Cook the rice and dal mixture over medium heat until they become soft and well-cooked, approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4

In a separate pan, add the jaggery with 1/4 cup of water and heat until the jaggery has completely dissolved. Strain to remove any impurities, then set aside.

Step 5

Once the rice and dal are cooked, pour the jaggery syrup into the mixture and stir well. Allow it to simmer for 5 minutes, stirring continuously.

Step 6

In a small pan, heat the ghee over low heat. Add the cardamom powder, raisins, and your chosen cashew alternatives (e.g., pumpkin seeds or roasted coconut chips) and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the raisins plump up.

Step 7

Add the ghee mixture into the simmering pongal and stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the saffron strands into the pongal and mix well.

Step 9

Allow the pongal to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.

Step 10

Serve warm as a delightful dessert or festive offering.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1311.7 grams (1311.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2526

Total Fat 69.10g	89%
Saturated Fat 38.60g	193%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 152mg	51%
Sodium 315mg	14%
Total Carbohydrate 456.30g	166%
Dietary Fiber 12.80g	46%
Total Sugars 269.20g
Protein 30.50g	61%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 694mg	53%
Iron 22mg	122%
Potassium 2525mg	54%

*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: 24.2%

Protein: 4.7%

Carbs: 71.0%