Ellu Sadam (Sesame Rice) Recipe
Ellu Sadam, also known as Sesame Rice, is a popular South Indian dish that combines rice with roasted sesame, spices, and coconut. It’s a flavorful and nutritious dish often served as prasad (offering) in temples across Tamil Nadu. This simple yet aromatic rice dish can be enjoyed as a comforting meal, especially when paired with a cool Tomato and Onion Raita and crunchy Elai Vadam. Ideal for a hearty lunch, this recipe is both vegetarian and full of rich, earthy flavors from sesame seeds and spices.
Cuisine: South Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 3 teaspoons |
| Sesame seeds (white) | 1/4 cup |
| Grated coconut | 1/4 cup |
| Dried red chillies (for tempering) | 5 |
| White urad dal (split) | 1 cup |
| Mustard seeds | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Cashew nuts | 4 tablespoons |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 3/4 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions
-
Roasting Sesame and Coconut:
- Begin by heating a pan on medium heat. Add the sesame seeds to the pan and dry roast them until they turn light brown and release their nutty aroma.
- Once done, add the grated coconut to the same pan and lightly roast it until it turns golden brown. Remove both ingredients from the pan and set aside.
-
Grinding the Mixture:
- In a mixer grinder, combine the roasted sesame seeds, coconut, and dried red chillies. Grind them together into a coarse powder, ensuring the texture is slightly granular.
-
Mixing with Rice:
- Cook the rice separately and allow it to cool slightly. Once the rice is ready, transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the ground mixture to the rice along with salt to taste. Gently stir everything together until the rice is well coated with the sesame-coconut mixture.
-
Tempering:
- In a tempering pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Next, add the curry leaves, urad dal, cashew nuts, and dried red chillies to the pan. Sauté for about 15 seconds or until the dal turns golden brown and the nuts are lightly toasted.
- Add the asafoetida (hing) and quickly pour this tempering over the rice mixture. Toss the rice gently to ensure the tempering is evenly distributed.
-
Serving:
- Serve the Ellu Sadam hot with a side of Tomato and Onion Raita and crispy Elai Vadam for an authentic South Indian meal experience.
This Ellu Sadam recipe brings together the flavors of roasted sesame, coconut, and a medley of spices, making it a delightful dish that’s both easy to prepare and rich in taste. Perfect for a wholesome lunch or as part of a festive spread, this dish can be enjoyed by the whole family. Enjoy the warmth of South Indian cuisine with every bite!
