Aval Sakkarai Pongal | Poha Sweet Pongal

Aval Sakkarai Pongal, also known as Poha Sweet Pongal, is one of the simplest and quickest variations of the traditional Sakkarai Pongal. Made with aval (poha), a type of flattened rice, this dish is perfect for those busy festival days when you want a delicious, yet easy-to-make sweet. Unlike the regular Sakkarai Pongal made with rice and moong dal, Aval Sakkarai Pongal uses poha as the main ingredient, which cooks much faster and requires less preparation time.

The process of making Aval Sakkarai Pongal is straightforward: the poha is cooked with jaggery (a natural sweetener), ghee, and flavored with cardamom, cashews, and raisins. The dish gets its rich sweetness from the jaggery, which is not only healthier than refined sugar but also adds a distinct, deep flavor. The ghee gives it a lovely richness, while the cashews and raisins add texture and a slight crunch, making it a delightful treat for the senses.

Aval Sakkarai Pongal is a perfect option when you’re short on time but still want to enjoy a traditional and festive sweet. It is commonly made during the Pongal festival and other South Indian festivals, offering a quicker alternative to the more traditional Sakkarai Pongal, while still maintaining the essence and flavors of the dish. Whether as a festival offering, a special treat for the family, or simply as a quick snack, Aval Sakkarai Pongal is a dish that brings joy and sweetness to any occasion.

Ingredients

Aval(Flattened rice/Poha)-2 cups

Milk-1 cup

Jaggery syrup -1 cup( adjust according to your taste preference)

Cardamom powder-1/4 tsp

Cashews-few

Ghee-2 tbsps

Salt a pinch (optional)

Method

👉Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a kadai/ vessel add cashews and aval and fry for 2 mins.

 👉Add milk and cover the kadai/ vessel and cook for 5 mins.

👉 Once the aval (poha) is 3/4 th cooked add the jaggery syrup, then cardamom powder,pinch of salt (optional), remaining ghee mix well and allow it to thicken to pongal consistency.

👉Serve hot.

Note-

✍️Take the pongal in slightly watery consistency as it tends to thicken over time.

Preparation time -15 mins
Serves-4