Sago Porridge with Jaggery:
Ingredients:
- Sago (tapioca pearls): 1/2 cup
- Water: 2 cups
- Jaggery (grated or chopped): 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
- Milk: 1 cup
- Cardamom pods: 2-3 (crushed)
- Ghee (clarified butter): 1 tablespoon
- Assorted nuts (almonds, cashews, raisins): for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the Sago:
- Rinse the sago pearls under cold water in a fine mesh strainer to remove any excess starch. This helps prevent the porridge from becoming too sticky.
2. Soak the Sago:
- Place the rinsed sago pearls in a bowl and cover them with enough water to submerge them completely. Let them soak for at least 2-3 hours or overnight until they become soft and translucent.
3. Cook the Sago:
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil over medium heat.
- Drain the soaked sago pearls and add them to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sago cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become transparent and soft. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
4. Add Jaggery and Milk:
- Once the sago pearls are cooked, add the grated or chopped jaggery to the pan. Stir well until the jaggery dissolves completely and blends with the sago.
- Pour in the milk and continue to cook the porridge for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and reaches your desired consistency.
5. Flavor with Cardamom:
- Crush the cardamom pods to release the seeds and add them to the porridge for flavor. Stir well to distribute the cardamom evenly throughout the porridge.
6. Temper with Ghee and Nuts (Optional):
- In a separate small pan, heat ghee over medium heat. Add assorted nuts like almonds, cashews, and raisins to the pan and roast them until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Pour the tempered nuts and ghee over the prepared sago porridge as a garnish for added flavor and texture.
7. Serve:
- Sago porridge with jaggery can be served warm or chilled, according to your preference.
- Enjoy this comforting and nutritious porridge as a dessert or a sweet snack.
Sago porridge with jaggery is a simple and satisfying dish that is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as a light meal. It's gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be easily customized with your favorite flavors and toppings.