For preparing pongal you need:

• 1 cup Rice
• 1/2 cup Green Gram Dal
• 1 cup Milk
• 3 cups Jaggery (powdered)
• 4 tbsp Ghee
• 2 tbsp Cashew nuts
• 2 tbsp Raisins
• 5 no Cardamoms (powdered)
• 2 no Cloves (powdered)
• 1 small piece Nutmeg (grated or powdered)
• A pinch of Saffron
• 2 1/2 cups Water

Method of preparation of Pongal:

• Roast dry the green gram dal for a approximately 2 minutes.
• Cook the rice and green gram dhal with 2 1/2 cups of water and 1 cup milk in the microwave.
• Dissolve the jaggery in 3/4 cup water and cook on a low heat till the jaggery melts.
• Strain the jaggery to remove any foreign particles.
• Put the syrup once more on the heat and stir till it becomes slightly sticky.
• Add the cooked rice and dhal.
• Heat the 4 tbsp ghee.

Garnishing and serving:

• Fry the cashew nuts and raisins and add to the pongal.
• Add the powdered cardamoms, cloves nutmeg and saffron.
• Mix well and serve hot.