Karnataka-Style Pongal

1/4 cup moong dal or channa dal ("yellow split peas" are a fine US equivalent)
1 cup white rice
1/2 cup dried coconut
3 cups water
1/4 cup butter (ghee or vegan butter spread are also great)
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
7 curry leaves (1 to use as a garnish)
Salt to taste

Cover lentils with water and let stand for 20 minutes (this ensures even cooking time for rice/lentil combo). Mix the lentils with the rice and coconut, and with about 3 cups water. Cook until soft, about 20 minutes. You'll know it's done when the texture is creamy, like risotto. You may need to add more or less water, depending on what type of rice you use and the freshness of your lentils.

Meanwhile, heat a small sauté pan to medium and toast the cumin seeds, garlic, black pepper, turmeric, and curry leaves in 1/4 cup butter (or vegan butter spread). Heat mixture for about 2 minutes, until very aromatic. Set aside. When rice/lentil mixture is cooked through, add the spice mixture, stirring to combine.

Very nice with a sweet lassi or chai.

Number of Servings: 4

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user DRAYRAY.