Peanut Rice Recipe -Verkadalai Sadam Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Peanut Rice recipe is a quick, easy, and satisfying dish that combines the goodness of peanuts with the vibrant flavors of spices. The roasted peanuts lend a delightful crunch, while the blend of sesame seeds, coconut, and curry leaves adds depth to the flavor profile. It’s an ideal meal for busy weekdays or lazy weekends, and the best part is it requires minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

• Rice – 1 cup

• Salt – to taste

For Peanut Powder:

• Peanuts – 3 tbsp

• Dry Red Chilli – 2 to 3

• Sesame Seeds (Yellu) – 1 tbsp

• Grated Coconut – 2 tbsp

For Tempering:

• Oil – 1 tbsp

• Mustard Seeds (Kaduku) – 1 tsp

• Urad Dal (Ulundu Paruppu) – 1 tsp

• Channa Dal (Kadala Paruppu) – 1 tsp

• Curry Leaves – 1 sprig

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Rice:
   In a pressure cooker, add 1 cup of rice along with 2.5 cups of water. Pressure cook for 2 whistles and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the flame and allow the steam to release naturally. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and let it cool down.

2. Prepare the Peanut Powder:
   Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the peanuts and dry roast for about 5 minutes. Next, add the dry red chilies and continue to roast for another 2 minutes. Add the sesame seeds and roast for 1 more minute. Finally, add the grated coconut and roast for another 3 minutes until it turns light golden.

3. Grind the Mixture:
   Remove the roasted ingredients from the pan and allow them to cool. Once cooled, transfer them to a blender and grind into a coarse mixture.

4. Tempering:
   Heat oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds, urad dal, channa dal, and curry leaves. Sauté the tempering for a minute until fragrant.

5. Combine:
   Add the cooked rice to the kadai and mix well with the tempering. Season with salt and toss until well combined.

6. Add the Peanut Powder:
   Add the freshly ground peanut powder and toss again until the rice is evenly coated.

7. Serve:
   Serve hot and enjoy your Peanut Rice!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 4 servings

Variations

• Spicy Peanut Rice: Add more dry red chilies or include green chilies for an extra kick of heat.

• Vegan Version: Use coconut oil instead of regular oil to keep the dish vegan.

• Peanut and Cashew Rice: For added richness, you can add a handful of cashews to the peanut powder mix or as part of the tempering.

• Tamarind Peanut Rice: Add a small amount of tamarind paste or pulp for a tangy twist to the dish.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover Peanut Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave for 1-2 minutes or heat it on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but be aware it will take longer to cook compared to white rice.

2. Can I make this recipe without a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can cook the rice in a regular pot by bringing the water to a boil, then simmering it with a lid on until the rice is tender.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spice depends on the number of dry red chilies you use. For a milder version, you can reduce or omit the chilies.

4. Can I use raw peanuts instead of roasted?

While roasted peanuts enhance the flavor, raw peanuts can also be used, but they will need to be roasted before grinding.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and peanut powder ahead of time. Combine them just before serving.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can add sautéed vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans to make the dish more wholesome.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Peanut Rice recipe is naturally gluten-free.

8. How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?

Ensure that the rice is fluffed with a fork after cooking to separate the grains. Also, avoid overcooking the rice in the pressure cooker.

9. Can I make this recipe without sesame seeds?

While sesame seeds add flavor, you can omit them if you prefer or don’t have them available.

10. Can I serve this with a side dish?

Peanut Rice pairs well with a simple vegetable curry, raita, or even a crunchy papadam.

Conclusion

Peanut Rice (Verkadalai Sadam) is a deliciously simple dish that combines the earthiness of peanuts with the robust flavors of spices and tempering. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful addition to any lunch spread. With its easy-to-follow steps and customizable variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!