Are you craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful South Indian meal? Look no further than Ellu Sadam, a sesame rice dish that's both simple to make and bursting with amazing taste. This recipe, explained clearly in English, will guide you step-by-step to create this delicious and nutritious side dish or light meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's one of those easy recipes that always impresses!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw rice (preferably basmati or sona masuri)
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (ellu)
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter) – you can substitute with coconut oil for a vegan option
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon urad dal (split black lentils)
- 1 dry red chili, broken into pieces
- A few curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- A pinch of turmeric powder (optional, for color)
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cooking the Rice
Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and helps the rice cook evenly. In a pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and all the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Preparing the Tempering (Tadka)
While the rice is cooking, prepare the tempering. Heat the ghee in a small pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the mustard seeds. They will start to splutter – this is a good sign! Then, add the urad dal and dry red chili. Sauté for a minute until the dal turns golden brown. Stir in the curry leaves and sauté for a few more seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Combining and Finishing
Add the roasted sesame seeds to the pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn them. Now, gently fold in the cooked rice and turmeric powder (if using). Mix well to ensure the tempering is evenly distributed throughout the rice. Season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Garnish with fresh coriander leaves if desired. Serve Ellu Sadam hot as a delicious side dish with sambar, rasam, or your favorite South Indian curry. It also makes a fantastic light meal on its own.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use roasted sesame seeds instead of raw. Simply dry roast them in a pan until lightly golden before adding to the tempering.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) along with the mustard seeds for a more pungent aroma.
- Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped peanuts or cashews along with the sesame seeds for added texture.
- Make it vegan: Substitute ghee with coconut oil.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-40 grams
- Fat: Approximately 8-10 grams
This Ellu Sadam recipe is a great example of healthy meals you can prepare quickly and easily. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious dish, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of homemade cooking and represents the best recipes from South Indian cuisine. Try it today and impress your family and friends with this easy-to-make, flavorful rice dish!