Ellu Sadam (Sesame Rice – Tamil Nadu style)

Ingredients

• Sesame Powder –
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, white or black
• 1 tbsp. urad (split black gram lentil)
• 3-4 dry red chilies or as needed
• Other Ingredients –
• 2 cups cooked rice, Basmati or any other variety
• 2 tbsp. roasted peanut
• 2 tbsp. oil / ghee
• 1 dry red chili, broken
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 1 tsp. urad dal
• 1 sprig curry leaves
• 1/4 tsp. asafoetida (hing)
• 1/2 tsp. salt or to taste

Steps

1. Dry roast the sesame seeds, urad dal and red chilies on a low flame till light brown. Keep aside to cool. Then grind into a slightly coarse powder.
2. Mix the powder with the cooled down cooked rice, roasted peanuts and salt to taste. Keep aside.
3. Heat oil & temper with one dry red chili & mustard seeds. After it stops spluttering, add urad dal, curry leaves & asafoetida. Sauté for a few seconds.
4. Pour this tempering over the rice & give it a mix.
5. Serve it hot just as it is or with chutney / papad / chips.