Broccoli Ven Pongal

This is an all-inclusive easy-to-make main vegetarian dish

Ingredients:

1 C. Rice

1/2 C. Mung Dhal 

1 C. Milk

4 American cheese slices

1 1/2 lbs. Broccoli (washed and cut)

2 Tbsp. oil

1/2 tsp. turmeric powder

1/4 tsp whole black pepper

1 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds  

1/2 tsp. hot red chili powder

2 tsp. salt (adjust to taste)

4  C. water for the pongal

Method:

Dry roast the mung dal & rice till they turn light golden brown exuding a good aroma. Wash the toasted rice dhal mixture throughly and add 4 C. of water and cook the mixture in a pressure cooker for 5 minutes in medium heat after the pressure reaches the optimum high or cook the mixture in a rice cooker.

Heat the oil in a 4 quart stew pot or Dutch oven in medium heat, add cumin seed, black pepper to the oil and stir, in a minute when the seeds start crackling add the turmeric powder fry for a second then add the broccoli and sprinkle the red chili powder and salt over the broccoli and stir it thoroughly to distribute the spices. You may add about 1/4 cup of water and cook covered for 4 to 5 minutes till the broccoli is cooked crisp tender in medium to medium high heat.

Heat the milk for a minute in a glass cup in microwave oven. Tear the cheese slices into small pieces and add the milk and cheese to the cooked broccoli and mix well to incorporate them.

Open the pressure cooker when it is safe, add the pongal to the broccoli milk mixture and stir thoroughly. Taste and adjust the salt to your taste.

The above recipe will serve about 6 as a main dish

Happy eating!!