This is an easy rice recipe, yet quite different from the traditional and simple steamed rice or even pulaos/pilafs. There are many lunchbox-ready rice recipes from Southern India, especially Tamil Nadu. We call it ‘thaalicha choru’ or ‘variety rice’. It literally means rice tempered with spices, and mixed with vegetables and/or sauces. There is curd rice, tomato rice, lemon/lime rice, tamarind rice, egg rice, mango rice, and so on. My favorite remains the coconut rice. I will post the other recipes too!
You will need:
- Rice – 2 cups (any long grained or fluffy white rice variety)
- Water – 3.5-4 cups or enough to cook the rice
- Coconut – 1 cup, shredded (fresh, not desiccated)
- Oil – 2 tbsp + extra for frying cashew nuts
- Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
- Black pepper corns – 8-10
- Whole dry red chilies – 3
- Urad dal (split black lentil) – 1.5 tsp
- Curry leaves – a few
- Salt – to taste
- Cashew nuts – for garnish (optional)
How to:
- Prepare rice as usual. Fluff with a fork or spoon.
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan.
- Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, red chilies and curry leaves.
- When the mustard seeds start sputtering, add black pepper corns and urad dal. Saute till dal turns light golden in color.
- Add coconut and saute for a couple of minutes. No need to roast the coconut, just saute till the moisture is gone.
- Add the cooked rice and salt to taste. Mix well, taking care not to mash the rice.
- Heat some oil in a small saucepan and fry the cashew nuts till golden. Add to the rice and serve hot.
This rice goes well with just about anything. It is absolutely delicious with fried/grilled chicken or fish or any other spicy curry.
Let me know if you try this!
I am linking this up at these awesome blogs.
I can smell this aromatic rice from the recipe. I would love if you would bring it by my foodie friday party today.
Thanks for visiting. Shall take a look!
I adore this recipe. The coconut with the spices would make the best rice. Thanks for sharing on Thursdays Treasures.
Thanks for visiting!
This looks really delicious! I have never tried this before. 🙂 Thanks so much for linking up with “Try a New Recipe Tuesday!” I hope you will be able to join us again this week. 🙂
Thanks for visiting! Got new recipes coming up!!
This looks delicious! We’ve been eating a lot of rice lately and I’m excited to try a new recipe 🙂
Thanks for visiting! Do try this!!
MORE, MORE MORE PLEASE! I HAVE BEEN SICK FOR 2 MONTHS AND UNABLE TO EAT AND I AM COMPILING RECIPES TO MAKE AS SOON AS I AM BETTER. YOURS ARE AWSOME AND EASY. THANK YOU XO
So sorry to hear you were sick. This is a mild dish and will help you recuperate. Good luck!
Never made rice like this. Sounds flavorful. Thanks for sharing these at Two Cup Tuesday at Pint Sized Baker.
Thanks for visiting!
Looks yummy! I love rice and make it almost everyday 🙂
Thanks for visiting! Do try it!!
Really love your blog! I nominated you for a Liebster Award! Check out the details: http://rediscovermom.blogspot.com/2013/03/liebster-award.html
Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing at http://rediscovermom.blogspot.com/2013/03/tried-and-true-recipes-4.html. I’m very interested in learning about Indian food.
Thanks for visiting!