Sesame Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Pepper & Coconut Flavors

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sesame Rice Recipe – Authentic Indian Pepper & Coconut Flavors

Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a recipe that’s been a family favorite for years – Sesame Rice. It’s a wonderfully fragrant and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. I first stumbled upon this recipe while exploring the vibrant flavors of South Indian cuisine, and it quickly became a staple in my kitchen. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive occasion. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sesame rice isn’t just delicious; it’s a celebration of textures and aromas. The fluffy rice, the crunchy cashews, the warm spices… it all comes together beautifully. It’s a comforting dish that’s both satisfying and light. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce yourself to the wonderful world of South Indian flavors.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this magic:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1/4 cup dessicated coconut
• 1/4 cup urad dal (for roasting)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon ghee
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 teaspoons urad dal (for tempering)
• 2 teaspoons chana dal
• 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
• 3 red chillies
• 10 cashews
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best results:

Basmati Rice: Choosing the Right Grain

Basmati rice is the star here! Look for long-grain basmati – it stays fluffy and separate. I prefer the aged basmati for its superior aroma and texture. (Approximately 198g)

Urad Dal: Varieties and Roasting Tips

Urad dal (black gram) is used both for roasting and tempering. Roasting it properly is key to developing its nutty flavor. Don’t rush this step! (Approximately 50g for roasting + 25g for tempering)

Black Pepper: Freshly Ground vs. Pre-Ground

Freshly ground black pepper makes a huge difference. The aroma is so much more vibrant. If you don’t have whole peppercorns, pre-ground is okay, but try to use a good quality one.

Dessicated Coconut: Toasting for Enhanced Flavor

Toasting the dessicated coconut brings out its sweetness and adds a lovely depth of flavor. Keep a close eye on it – it burns easily! (Approximately 30g)

Sesame Oil: The Key to Authentic Taste

Sesame oil is what truly makes this sesame rice special. It imparts a unique, nutty aroma that’s characteristic of South Indian cuisine. Don’t skip it!

Regional Variations in South Indian Rice Dishes

South India boasts a stunning variety of rice dishes. From the tangy lemon rice to the spicy tomato rice, there’s something for everyone. Sesame rice, or Ellu Sadam as it’s sometimes called, is particularly popular in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Each region has its own little twist, so feel free to experiment!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash and soak the basmati rice in water for about 10 minutes. This helps it cook up fluffy.
2. Drain the rice and pressure cook it with 2 cups (473ml) of water for 3-4 whistles. Once cooked, gently spread the rice on a large plate or tray to cool. Drizzle with sesame oil and fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
3. Now, let’s roast the urad dal. Heat a pan over medium heat and dry roast the 1/4 cup of urad dal until it’s crisp and golden brown. Set aside.
4. In the same pan, dry roast the black pepper until it pops and becomes fragrant. Grind the roasted urad dal and pepper into a coarse powder.
5. Next, roast the dessicated coconut in the same pan until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
6. Time for the tempering! Heat the oil and ghee in a pan. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the 2 teaspoons of urad dal, chana dal, red chillies, and cashews. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.
7. Add the curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds. Now, gently add the cooked rice and mix well, ensuring everything is combined. Add salt to taste.
8. Finally, just before serving, sprinkle the urad dal-pepper powder and roasted coconut over the rice. Mix well and enjoy!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tips to help you nail this recipe:

Achieving Perfectly Separated Rice Grains

The key to fluffy rice is cooling it properly and adding sesame oil. Don’t skip this step!

Roasting Spices for Maximum Aroma

Roasting spices unlocks their full flavor potential. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Tempering Techniques for Flavor Infusion

Tempering is all about layering flavors. Start with the mustard seeds, then add the dals and spices in stages.

Adjusting Spice Levels to Your Preference

Feel free to adjust the number of red chillies to control the spice level.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Sesame Rice

Simply omit the ghee and use oil instead.

Gluten-Free Sesame Rice

This recipe is naturally gluten-free!

Spice Level Adjustments (Mild, Medium, Hot)

• Mild: Use 1 red chilli.
• Medium: Use 2-3 red chillies.
• Hot: Use 4-5 red chillies or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Festival Adaptations (Pongal, Onam)

This rice is often served during festivals like Pongal and Onam. You can add a few drops of rose water for a festive touch. My grandmother always added a pinch of turmeric for color during Pongal!

Serving Suggestions

Sesame rice is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• Raita (yogurt dip)
• Pickles
• Papadums
• Vegetable curries

Storage Instructions

Leftover sesame rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of rice is best for this sesame rice?

Basmati rice is the best choice. Its long grains and delicate flavor work perfectly.

Can I use coconut oil instead of sesame oil?

You can, but it won’t have the same authentic flavor. Sesame oil is highly recommended.

How can I make the urad dal powder ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast, grind, and store the urad dal-pepper powder in an airtight container for up to a week.

What is asafoetida (hing) and where can I find it?

Asafoetida is a pungent spice with a unique flavor. You can find it in Indian grocery stores, or online. A little goes a long way!

Can this recipe be made in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the rice setting and adjust the water accordingly.

How do I adjust the recipe for a larger gathering?

Simply double or triple the ingredients, keeping the ratios the same.

Enjoy making this delicious Sesame Rice! I hope it brings a little bit of South Indian sunshine to your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below!