Ghee Lentil Rice / Nei Paruppu Sadam

Ghee Yellow Lentil Rice / Nei Paruppu Sadam

Recipe Details

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Ingredients

• Rice – 1 cup
• Toor dal / Yellow pigeon peas – 1/2 cup
• Water – as needed, for soaking
• Mixed vegetables – 1 cup, such as carrots, beans, or potatoes
• Oil – 1 tsp
• Asafoetida / Hing – 1/4 tsp
• Ginger – 1-inch piece, finely chopped
• Garlic – 5 cloves, finely chopped
• Onion – 1/2 medium, chopped
• Dried red chilies – 2
• Tomatoes – 2, chopped
• Sambar powder – 1 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder – 1/4 tsp
• Salt – to taste
• Water – 4 cups, for pressure cooking
• Ghee – 2 tsp (optional)
• Hot water – up to 1 cup, if needed after cooking

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Preparation

1. Combine the rice and toor dal, rinse well, and soak them together in enough water for about 30 minutes.
2. Drain the soaked rice and dal before cooking.
3. Chop the onion and tomatoes.
4. Finely chop the ginger and garlic.
5. Cut the vegetables into small, evenly sized pieces.

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Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
2. Add the asafoetida, finely chopped ginger, and garlic.
3. Fry for about 30 seconds, until aromatic.
4. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and lightly golden.
5. Add the dried red chilies and chopped tomatoes.
6. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and form a thick mixture.
7. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for about 2 minutes.
8. Add the sambar powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Mix well.
9. Add the drained rice and toor dal.
10. Pour in 4 cups water and mix everything well.
11. Taste the liquid and adjust the salt if needed.
12. Close the pressure cooker and cook for about 3 whistles.
13. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker.
14. Add the ghee, if using, and mix well.
15. If you prefer a softer, more mashed consistency, add a little hot water after cooking and mix well. Use up to 1 cup as needed.

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Tips

Consistency: This rice tastes especially good when it is soft and slightly mashed. Add a little extra hot water after pressure cooking if needed.

Vegetables: Carrots, beans, potatoes, peas, or other vegetables of your choice can be used.

Ghee: Ghee is optional, but adding a little at the end gives the rice a richer aroma and flavor.

One-Pot Meal: Since the rice, dal, and vegetables all cook together, this is an easy option for a quick and comforting meal.

Similar Dish: This recipe is somewhat similar to Arisi Paruppu Sadam, with the addition of vegetables and sambar powder.

Serving Suggestion

Serve Nei Paruppu Sadam hot on its own or with curd, papad, pickle, or a simple vegetable side dish.

Recipe Source: My Mom’s Kitchen.