Milagu Sadam Recipe (Instant Pepper Rice)
Description:
When youโre pressed for time or simply looking for a quick, no-fuss meal, Milagu Sadam (Instant Pepper Rice) is the answer. This flavorful South Indian rice dish is a lifesaver, especially when you have leftover rice on hand. It’s the simplest among the variety of rice dishes, combining pantry staples and a few aromatic spices to create a dish thatโs both comforting and delicious. Perfect for a busy weekday lunch, Milagu Sadam requires minimal effort yet delivers a satisfying meal with a punch of heat from freshly ground black pepper. So, the next time you’re in need of a quick, easy meal, look no further than this humble yet flavorful dish.
Cuisine: South Indian Recipes
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice (cooked) | 1 cup |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 2-1/2 tablespoons (freshly ground) |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1-1/2 teaspoon |
| Cashew nuts | 10 |
| Oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Instructions:
-
Heat the Oil:
Begin by heating oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. -
-
Tempering Spices:
Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds. Let them crackle for a few seconds, then add the white urad dal. Sautรฉ the dal until it turns a golden brown. -
Add Onions and Curry Leaves:
Add the finely chopped onions and curry leaves to the pan. Sautรฉ everything until the onions turn soft and translucent, which should take about 2โ3 minutes. -
Incorporate Cashews and Pepper:
Add the cashew nuts to the pan and cook for another 2 minutes until they begin to lightly brown. Then, add the freshly ground black pepper powder and salt to taste. Stir well and allow it to cook for another minute or two to let the flavors meld together. -
Mix with Rice:
Add the cooked basmati rice to the pan, gently tossing it with the pepper-onion mixture. Ensure that all the rice is evenly coated with the flavorful mix. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt if necessary. -
Serve:
Once everything is well mixed, turn off the flame and serve the Milagu Sadam immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with a refreshing side of Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita or Boondi Raita for a complete, light, and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Milagu Sadam:
- Freshly Ground Pepper: For the best flavor, use freshly ground black pepper. It adds a sharper, more fragrant heat compared to pre-ground pepper.
- Leftover Rice: Milagu Sadam is perfect for utilizing leftover rice, making it an ideal quick meal after a busy day.
- Add Vegetables: If you’d like to make it more wholesome, you can add some sautรฉed vegetables like peas, carrots, or beans to the mix.
This quick and flavorful Milagu Sadam is sure to become a favorite go-to meal when you’re looking for something simple yet satisfying. Whether you’re using it to finish off leftover rice or preparing it fresh, this dish never fails to impress with its spicy, tangy, and crunchy elements. Enjoy this South Indian classic for a fulfilling lunch or dinner thatโs light yet full of flavor!
