Spiced Coconut Rice (Thengai Sadam)
Introduction:
Thengai Sadam, also known as Spiced Coconut Rice, is a flavorful South Indian rice dish made with a blend of aromatic spices and grated coconut. This comforting rice preparation is typically served as a side dish with curries or snacks like Masala Vadai or Vegetable Kurma. It’s an ideal choice for a quick lunch or dinner and is both delicious and satisfying. The coconut adds a rich texture, while the tempering of spices infuses the rice with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 cup |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Grated Coconut | 1/2 cup |
| Mustard Seeds (Rai) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| White Urad Dal | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Red Chilies (broken) | 2 |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
| Curry Leaves | 6 leaves |
| Fresh Coriander (for garnish) | 2 sprigs |
| Cashews | 7 |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 1 teaspoon |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 2 servings |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Rice:
Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water. In a pressure cooker, add the washed rice and water as per your usual ratio. Close the lid and cook for 3 whistles. Once done, open the cooker, fluff the rice gently, and spread it out on a plate to cool. You can also use leftover rice for this dish. -
Temper the Spices:
Heat oil and ghee together in a pan. Once the oil is hot, add mustard seeds. When they splutter, add asafoetida, urad dal, dried red chilies, cashews, and curry leaves. Fry everything until the cashews turn golden brown. -
Add Coconut:
Add the grated coconut to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the coconut to slightly toast and infuse its flavor into the tempering. -
Mix with Rice:
Turn off the heat and season the mixture with salt. Let it cool down for a few minutes. Once cooled, add the cooked rice to the pan and mix gently to combine the coconut-spiced mixture with the rice. -
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve the Spiced Coconut Rice with a side of Vegetable Kurma or Masala Vadai for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions:
This Spiced Coconut Rice pairs beautifully with South Indian curries like Vegetable Kurma, Dal, or even a simple yogurt-based raita. It’s also a great dish for festivals, special occasions, or as a quick yet flavorful lunch option.
Dietary Information:
- Cuisine: South Indian
- Course: Lunch
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Type: Quick, Flavorful Rice Dish
Thengai Sadam is a simple yet aromatic dish that embodies the essence of South Indian cooking. The combination of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and grated coconut creates a dish that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Enjoy this delightful coconut rice with your favorite curry or fried snacks!
