Kavuni Arisi Sweet Pongal (Black rice pongal)

This sweet is a chettinad delicacy. Kavuni  arisi (Black rice) is very rich in all nutrients and  is the best antioxidant, which is believed to be  very good for those having back pain. It will help in strengthening the back muscle just like “Ulundu Kali”  does.  We are quite familiar with this rice from our childhood since my grandma used to do this sweet as an evening snack. When this sweet is made, the whole house would be filled with nice, natural aroma that tickles the sensory glands.  But the sad part is many of them are not aware of this rice and its availability. I came to know this unawareness only when I made this sweet for “potluck” lunch organised in my hubby’s office since they thought it was brown rice. But the matter of fact, it is different from brown rice and has more health benefits than brown rice.

The above recipe is also very simple and it can be cooked for breakfast or served as a desert for parties too. This is one of the  famous sweets served in Chettinadu marriages. The black rice will turn into attractive dark purple color and that itself will tempt everybody, from kids to older ones. Here is the recipe.

Ingredients:

• Black rice  - 1 cup
• Grated coconut  - ½ cup
• Sugar   -   ½ cup to ¾ cup
• Ghee – 3 table spoon
• Water – 2 cups

Method:

Wash the rice and soak the rice in 2 cups of water for about 4 hours. Then using the same water, cook the rice in pressure cooker  in low flame for about  15 minutes.  Then switch off, allow the pressure to get released by itself . After that open the cooker, slightly mash it with the ladle when the rice is hot. Then add grated coconut, sugar, ghee and mix well. The sugar measurement as above will be mild so that we can eat some good quantity. Some people will add cardamom, which I personally feel that the cardamom flavor will spoil the rice natural aroma.

I would like everyone to cook this recipe and enjoy the sweet since it will not only be a treat to your eyes (purple colour) with nice aroma but also to your taste buds. Even kids will like it.

Note: Sugar, ghee, coconut measurements can be varied according to one’s choice and preference but these ingredients have to be added when the rice is hot. Only then everything will get blended with rice.