Chettinad Takkali Sadam Recipe (Chettinad Style Tomato Rice)
Chettinad Takkali Sadam is a vibrant and aromatic tomato rice dish from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, known for its bold flavors and deliciously rich spices. This recipe combines the goodness of tomatoes with fragrant herbs and spices, creating a flavorful rice dish that is simple to prepare yet packed with complexity. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or something special to serve in a lunchbox, this dish is sure to impress with its aromatic appeal. Pair it with a refreshing Cauliflower & Cucumber Raita to complete the meal.
Cuisine: Chettinad
Course: Lunch
Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (cooked) | 2 cups |
| Tomatoes (finely chopped) | 2 |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Green Chilli (slit) | 1 |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina, chopped) | A fistful, roughly chopped |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania, chopped) | A small bunch, finely chopped |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 stick |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ginger (roughly chopped) | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (cloves) | 3-4 |
| Fennel Seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Instructions
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Prepare Rice: Begin by cooking the rice to a fluffy texture. You can use leftover rice or cook fresh rice and set it aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare Ground Mixture: Using a mortar and pestle, coarsely pound together the ginger, garlic, and fennel seeds to create a fragrant paste. Set this mixture aside.
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Sauté Spices: Heat the ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the cinnamon stick and cloves to the ghee. Let them sizzle and release their aromatic oils for a minute.
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Cook Aromatics: Add the coarsely ground ginger, garlic, and fennel seed mixture to the pan. Sauté until the raw smell disappears and the mixture becomes fragrant.
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Onion and Curry Leaves: Toss in the curry leaves and thinly sliced onions. Sauté the onions until they turn translucent, adding depth to the flavor.
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Cook Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook them for a few minutes until they soften and are halfway cooked.
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Spices and Herbs: Add the slit green chilli, red chilli powder, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with salt and allow the mixture to cook until the tomatoes are completely cooked and softened, about 10 minutes. The mixture should be thick and flavorful.
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Combine with Rice: Add the cooked rice to the pan. Use a fork to gently fluff and mix the rice into the tomato mixture, ensuring every grain is coated with the spices and tomato sauce.
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Simmer and Serve: Let the rice simmer on low heat for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together. Once done, switch off the heat and your Chettinad Takkali Sadam is ready to serve.
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Serve: Serve this Chettinad-style tomato rice warm, alongside a refreshing Cauliflower & Cucumber Raita for a perfect, balanced meal. It also works wonderfully as a lunchbox meal for kids or a light lunch.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle some extra ghee over the rice before serving.
- If you prefer a spicier version, feel free to add extra green chillies or red chilli powder.
- This recipe works great with leftover rice, making it an excellent option for using up cooked rice.
Chettinad Takkali Sadam is the perfect blend of spices, herbs, and rice that brings a taste of Tamil Nadu to your table. Enjoy this flavorful dish with a cool raita, and savor the rich culinary tradition of Chettinad in every bite.
