Kongunadu Arisi Paruppu Sadam – Tamil Nadu’s Flavourful Rice and Dal Delight

Kongunadu Style Arisi Paruppu Sadam Recipe

Kongunadu Style Arisi Paruppu Sadam is a signature dish from the Kongunadu region, nestled in the western part of Tamil Nadu. This comforting rice and dal dish is flavoured with a blend of spices and seasonings, with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and the quintessential sambar powder taking the lead. The combination of Arhar dal (Toor dal) and rice makes it a great source of protein, providing nourishment along with an explosion of delicious flavours. Whether you’re craving a warm lunch or seeking to explore Tamil Nadu’s rich culinary heritage, this dish promises to deliver the goodness of traditional flavors with a modern twist.

Cuisine: Tamil Nadu

Course: Lunch

Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Preparation Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Instructions

1. Wash and Soak the Rice & Dal:
   Begin by washing the rice and Arhar dal together in a bowl. Drain the excess water and soak the dal for at least 30 minutes to ensure it cooks well with the rice.

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2. Sautéing Spices and Aromatics:
   In a pressure cooker, heat ghee or oil on low flame. Add cumin seeds and fennel seeds to the heated oil. Allow them to sizzle and release their aroma for a few seconds.

3. Infusing the Curry Leaves and Red Chillies:
   Toss in the curry leaves and let them crackle for a few seconds. Then, add dry red chillies and sauté for a minute to intensify the flavour.

4. Cooking the Garlic, Onion, and Tomato:
   Add the pounded garlic and sauté until softened and aromatic. Next, stir in the chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and caramelized. Add the chopped tomatoes along with a pinch of salt. Let them cook until they become soft and mushy, releasing their juices into the mix.

5. Spice it Up:
   Now, add the coriander powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and sambar powder. Stir the spices thoroughly into the mixture to ensure that they coat the vegetables well.

6. Incorporating Rice and Dal:
   Drain the soaked rice and dal mixture and add them to the cooker. Stir gently to ensure that the rice and dal are evenly coated with the spiced mixture.

7. Cooking the Rice and Dal:
   Add about 5 cups of water into the pressure cooker along with salt to taste. Stir everything well, ensuring the rice and dal are fully submerged. Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for about 3 whistles on medium heat.

8. Finishing Touches:
   Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker lid and give the rice and dal a gentle stir. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness and aroma.

9. Serving:
   Serve the Kongunadu Style Arisi Paruppu Sadam hot, paired with a delicious side dish like Pavakkai Poriyal (Bitter Gourd Stir Fry) and Puli Kuzhambu (Tamarind Gravy) for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Perfect Kongunadu Style Arisi Paruppu Sadam

• For a richer flavor, use ghee instead of oil when sautéing the spices.
• Adjust the spice levels by varying the amount of red chilli powder and sambar powder according to your taste.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip the fennel seeds or reduce the quantity of sambar powder.
• To enhance the aroma, you can also add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) while sautéing the onions and garlic.

This Kongunadu Style Arisi Paruppu Sadam is not just a meal; it’s a comforting dish that brings together the heartwarming flavors of Tamil Nadu’s Kongunadu region. Whether served for lunch or as a part of a grand feast, this simple yet flavorful rice and dal combo will surely become a staple in your kitchen.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Enjoy the wholesome and flavorful experience of Kongunadu Style Arisi Paruppu Sadam, a dish that beautifully captures the essence of South Indian home-cooked meals.