📝 About This Recipe
Coconut Rice, or Thengai Sadam, is a fragrant and mildly spiced South Indian rice dish. Made with fresh coconut, spices, and often tempered with lentils and nuts, it's a comforting and quick meal that is popular across the region.
🥗 Ingredients
For the Rice
- 2 cups Cooked Rice (preferably short-grain rice, cooled and separated)
For the Tempering
- 2-3 tablespoons Coconut Oil or Sesame Oil (Gingelly Oil)
- 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Urad Dal (Black Gram Split)
- 1 teaspoon Chana Dal (Split Chickpeas)
- 1-2 sprigs Curry Leaves
- 2-3 Dried Red Chillies (broken into pieces)
- 1/4 teaspoon Asafoetida (Hing)
- 10-12 Cashew Nuts (optional, halved or whole)
- 2 tablespoons Peanuts (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Coconut
- Salt (to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Heat the coconut oil or sesame oil in a large pan or Kadai over medium heat.
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2
Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
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3
Add urad dal and chana dal. Fry until they turn golden brown.
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4
Add the dried red chillies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.
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5
If using, add cashew nuts and peanuts and fry until they are golden brown and crunchy.
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6
Reduce the heat to low and add the freshly grated coconut. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, being careful not to brown it.
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7
Add the cooked and cooled rice to the pan. Season with salt to taste.
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8
Gently mix everything together until the rice is well coated with the tempering and coconut. Do not overmix, as it can break the rice grains.
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9
Cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
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10
Serve hot or at room temperature.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use cold or leftover rice for best results, as freshly cooked hot rice can become mushy. Adjust the amount of red chillies to your spice preference. Freshly grated coconut is highly recommended for the best flavor and aroma. You can add a pinch of turmeric powder for a slight yellow color, although it's not traditionally used in all versions. Ensure the lentils are fried to a golden brown for a nutty texture and flavor.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Coconut Rice is often served as a main dish with a simple vegetable curry or a spicy pickle. It pairs well with Sambar or Rasam. Serve with papad or appalam for added crunch. Enjoy it with a side of yogurt or raita.