Khara Pongal (Rice and Mung Bean Porridge)

Ingredients

• •½ cup white rice
• •½ cup moong dhal
• •3 cups water
• •½ tablespoon turmeric powder
• •¼ cup chopped cashew nuts
• •10 curry leaves
• •1 tablespoon coarsely-ground black pepper
• •1 tablespoon cumin seeds
• •2 green chillies , split lengthwise
• •1 tablespoon oil
• •1 tablespoon ghee (or substitute butter )
• •½ tablespoon mustard seed
• •Salt to taste

Instructions

1. 1Cook the rice and dhal together with turmeric powder in a pot or pressure cooker until mushy.
2. 2Heat a little ghee in a large pan and brown the cashew nuts. Remove them from the pan.
3. 3Add the rest of the ghee and the oil and heat.
4. 4Throw in all of the spices, starting with the mustard seed and finishing with the cashew nuts.
5. 5Mix in the rice and dhal, warming through. If it is too thick, add a little water.
6. 6Add salt and extra ghee to taste. You can also add some grated coconut at the end.