Carrots Dill and Peanut Sadam – South Indian Style Stir-Fried Rice
Carrots Dill and Peanut Sadam is a flavorful, aromatic, and nutrient-packed South Indian rice dish. This delightful stir-fry combines the sweetness of grated carrots, the fragrant sharpness of dill leaves, and the crunch of peanuts and sesame seeds, all seasoned with traditional spices to create a satisfying and vibrant meal. The dish is a great addition to your lunch repertoire, offering a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. This recipe, which is easy to prepare, is a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome vegetarian meal packed with the goodness of fresh vegetables and protein-rich peanuts.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Fully cooked rice | 2 cups |
Sesame (Gingelly) oil | 1 tablespoon |
Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
Chana Dal (Bengal Gram Dal) | 1 teaspoon |
Raw Peanuts (Moongphali) | 6 tablespoons |
Black sesame seeds | 1 tablespoon |
White sesame seeds (Til) | 1/2 tablespoon |
Dry Red Chillies | 3 whole |
Fresh coconut (grated) | 2 tablespoons |
Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium-sized |
Carrots (Gajjar, grated) | 1 cup |
Dill leaves (washed and chopped) | 1/2 cup |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
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Toast the Nuts and Seeds:
- Begin by dry roasting the peanuts, white sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, and dry red chillies in a pan over medium heat. Roast them until they become fragrant and slightly golden. Once toasted, remove the pan from the heat and set them aside to cool.
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Grind the Coconut Mixture:
- In a mixer jar, add the fresh coconut along with the toasted peanuts and sesame seeds. Grind these ingredients together into a coarse mixture, ensuring the texture remains chunky but well combined. Set this mixture aside.
-
Fry the Lentils and Peanuts:
- Heat sesame oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of peanuts, urad dal, and chana dal to the pan. Fry them until the peanuts are roasted and the dal turns golden brown and crispy. Keep the heat on medium-low to avoid burning the lentils and ensure a nice even roast.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
- Once the peanuts and dal are roasted, add the curry leaves to the pan. Sauté for a few seconds to release their aroma. Next, add the chopped onion and sauté until the onions soften and become translucent.
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Cook the Carrots and Dill:
- Add the grated carrots and chopped dill leaves to the pan. Sprinkle a little water and cover the pan to allow the carrots to cook for about 5 minutes. The carrots should soften slightly but retain some crunch.
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Combine the Ground Mixture and Rice:
- After the carrots have softened, add the ground peanut-til-coconut mixture to the pan. Stir everything together thoroughly. Then, add the cooked white rice and mix gently so that the rice is well coated with the flavors. Season with salt to taste.
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Simmer and Serve:
- Cover the pan and let the rice mixture simmer on low heat for 3-4 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Once the rice has absorbed the spices and the fragrance of the herbs, remove the pan from the heat.
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Serve:
- Serve the Carrots Dill and Peanut Sadam warm, ideally paired with a Sweet & Spicy Coriander Tadka Raita and Elai Vadam for a delightful South Indian meal. Enjoy this delicious stir-fried rice as a wholesome, satisfying dish for lunch or dinner.
Tips:
- You can make the dish spicier by adjusting the amount of dry red chillies used.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, you can add a dollop of ghee (clarified butter) before serving.
- Feel free to experiment with other greens like spinach or fenugreek leaves if dill is unavailable.
This Carrots Dill and Peanut Sadam is a great recipe for those who appreciate the vibrant, spice-infused cuisine of South India. Its balanced flavors and textures make it a unique dish that is both nutritious and full of character. Enjoy!