Rice-Lentil Porridge with Curry Leaves and Ginger

Southern Indians usually indulge in this moist, creamy rice-lentil accompaniment at the end of the harvest season, to celebrate the bounty of their water-filled, rich soil, ideal for cultivating rice. Although any of the curries in this book is great with pongal, my favorites are the root vegetable stew called Aviyal and Eggplant with a Tamarind-Chile Sauce.