One traditional recipe commonly prepared in South India as an offering to the Sun God on Ratha Saptami is “Sakkarai Pongal.” Sakkarai Pongal is a sweet and aromatic dish made with rice, moong dal (split yellow lentils), jaggery (unrefined cane sugar), ghee (clarified butter), and flavored with cardamom and cashew nuts. It is believed to be a favorite dish of the Sun God and is offered to invoke blessings for prosperity and well-being.
Here’s a simple recipe for Sakkarai Pongal:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup raw rice
– 1/4 cup split yellow moong dal (mung lentils)
– 1 1/2 cups jaggery, grated or chopped
– 4 cups water
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)
– A handful of cashew nuts
– A few raisins (optional)
– A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
– A pinch of edible camphor (optional, for fragrance)
Instructions:
1. Wash the rice and moong dal thoroughly and drain the water. Set aside.
2. In a deep-bottomed pan or pressure cooker, add the water and bring it to a boil.
3. Add the washed rice and moong dal to the boiling water. Cook until the rice and dal are soft and mushy. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 3-4 whistles.
4. In a separate pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Fry the cashew nuts and raisins until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
5. In the same pan, add the grated jaggery along with a little water. Stir continuously until the jaggery melts completely and forms a syrup. Strain the jaggery syrup to remove any impurities.
6. Once the rice and dal are cooked, add the jaggery syrup to the pan and mix well. Cook on low heat until the mixture thickens slightly.
7. Add the ground cardamom and saffron strands (if using) to the pan and mix well.
8. Pour in the milk and stir until well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes.
9. Finally, add the fried cashew nuts and raisins to the pan and mix well.
10. Turn off the heat and add a pinch of edible camphor (if using) for fragrance. Mix well.
11. Serve the Sakkarai Pongal hot as an offering to the Sun God during Ratha Saptami. Offer the dish with reverence and gratitude.
Enjoy this delicious and auspicious Sakkarai Pongal as a special offering to the Sun God on Ratha Saptami!
