Mattu Pongal wishes: Include this festival-special treat in your diet, guilt-free

Festival-special foods are often indulgent and can leave health-conscious individuals with a tinge of regret after enjoying them. However, certain south Indian celebratory treats are good to enjoy as holiday specials and nutritious food choices. Tamil Nadu's 'Mattu Pongal' festival special 'ven pongal,' a comforting and delicious treat made with rice, moong dal, black pepper, cumin, ghee, ginger, curry leaves, and cashews, is such a wholesome food. It's prepared by cooking dal and rice and then tempering them with sauteed nuts and spices. Here are its main health benefits:

Rich in protein
One of its main ingredients, moong dal, aka split yellow gram, has many essential nutrients like fibre and protein that help in muscle repair and overall growth. According to experts, there are around 24 grams of plant-based protein in 100 grams of raw moong dal. Unlike other plant proteins that do not have enough essential amino acids, moong dal has a good mix of them as a legume. It's also good for satiating hunger, managing weight, and being an easily digestible protein source. The use of ginger also improves its ability to reduce bloating. 

Low-fat food
If prepared right, ven pongal can be a low-fat yet satiating dish you can consume regularly. The dish is traditionally prepared with a generous amount of ghee that adds to its flavour. Preparing it with ghee also has its merits, as it can act as a sustained energy source. Ayurveda terms ghee, a digestive aid with anti-inflammatory properties. It's also good for heart health when used in the right amounts. 

A gluten-free treat
Even for those suffering from celiac diseases or gluten intolerance, ven pongal can be a healthy option as its main ingredients are naturally free of the element. Traditionally, the recipe doesn't entertain any processed additives containing hidden gluten. Mattu Pongal has garnered over 10,000 searches on Google Trends in the past 15 hours.