Ellu Sadam Recipe – South Indian Sesame Rice
Ellu Sadam, also known as Sesame Rice, is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of sesame seeds and a variety of aromatic spices. This traditional South Indian recipe is often prepared for prasadam (offering) in temples, especially on Saturdays in Tamil Nadu. With its delightful combination of roasted sesame powder and spices, this dish provides a comforting and wholesome meal that can be served for lunch or as part of a festive spread.
The recipe features a perfect balance of crunchy cashew nuts, tangy coconut, and a robust seasoning of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Enjoy it with Mor Kuzhambu for a complete South Indian meal that is sure to satisfy both the body and the soul.
Ellu Sadam Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 1-1/2 cups |
| Salt | As per taste |
| Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Sesame Seeds (Til seeds) | 50 grams |
| Dry Coconut (Grated kopra) | 50 grams |
| Dry Red Chillies | 6 whole |
| White Urad Dal (Split) | 1 cup |
| Cashew Nuts | 4 tablespoons |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Curry Leaves | 4-5 fresh leaves |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | 3/4 teaspoon |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ellu Sadam Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Sesame and Coconut Powder
- Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the sesame seeds until they release a fragrant aroma. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once roasted, transfer them to a plate and set aside to cool.
- In the same pan, dry roast the grated dry coconut (kopra) for about 1-2 minutes until it turns light brown. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Spice Powder
- Add 1 tablespoon oil to the same heated pan. Toss in the dry red chillies and roast them for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to release their aroma. Set these aside to cool.
- Once all the roasted ingredients (sesame seeds, coconut, and red chillies) have cooled, combine them and grind them into a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set this sesame-spice powder aside.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
- Rinse the Basmati rice thoroughly and cook it until fluffy, either by using a rice cooker or on the stovetop with enough water to cook the rice properly. Once cooked, let the rice cool slightly before mixing.
Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning
- In a tadka (seasoning) pan, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the curry leaves, followed by the soaked urad dal, cashew nuts, and dry red chillies. Let them sauté for a minute until the cashews turn golden and the dal crisps up.
- Sprinkle in the asafoetida (hing) and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Combine the Rice and Seasoning
- Take the cooked rice and add the prepared sesame-spice powder to it. Mix thoroughly to ensure the powder is evenly distributed.
- Add salt to taste and stir well. Once everything is mixed, pour the prepared seasoning (tadka) over the rice and toss gently.
Step 6: Serve
- Ellu Sadam is now ready to be served! For a traditional South Indian meal, pair this sesame rice with Mor Kuzhambu, a yogurt-based curry, or serve it with a simple vegetable side dish. The sesame rice can also be enjoyed on its own as a quick and healthy lunch.
Tips and Variations:
- Texture variation: If you prefer a more crunchy texture, you can add a little more roasted cashew nuts or even peanuts to the rice.
- Adjusting heat: If you like it spicier, feel free to increase the number of dry red chillies or add a pinch of red chili powder to the sesame powder.
- For extra flavor: A squeeze of lime juice before serving can add a refreshing zing to the dish.
Ellu Sadam is not only a delicious and easy-to-make dish but also a nutritious one, packed with the health benefits of sesame seeds, which are rich in calcium, iron, and magnesium. Enjoy this traditional South Indian treat as a fulfilling meal or as part of your festive spread.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Ellu Sadam is a timeless recipe, beloved for its simplicity and the rich flavor of roasted sesame seeds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch or a dish to share during a festive occasion, this South Indian delicacy is sure to bring joy to your table!
