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Milagu Sadam
🇮🇳 Indian Vegetarian

Milagu Sadam

🇮🇳 Indian

Tamil pepper rice, monsoon remedy and temple prasadam. Slow steam, long grains and a masala that perfumes every forkful. Serve with raita and papad; lemon wedges on the side.

Prep 17 min Cook 36 min Serves 3 Medium

Ingredients

  • Ginger Garlic Paste1 tbsp
  • Saltto taste
  • Onion1, thinly sliced
  • Green Chili2, slit
  • Ghee3 tbsp
  • Turmeric Powder1/2 tsp
  • Basmati Rice2 cups, rinsed and soaked 20 minutes
  • Whole Garam Masala Spices2 tsp
  • Curry Leaves2 sprigs
  • Black Peppercorns1 tsp

Optional extras

  • Fresh Cilantro2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash the basmati rice till the water runs clear and let it soak while you build the masala; drain before it goes in.

  2. 2

    Melt ghee over medium flame, toast the whole spices briefly, then add the sliced onions.

  3. 3

    Brown the onions properly, stir in ginger garlic paste, then bloom the powdered spices in the fat.

  4. 4

    Add the black peppercorns and saute two minutes, then slide in the drained rice and turn gently to coat every grain in the masala.

  5. 5

    Pour in hot water (1:1.5 for biryani-style, a little less for pulao), add salt, bring to a boil and cook covered on the lowest flame till the water is gone; rest 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Chef's tip

Saffron bloomed in warm milk, drizzled in streaks, gives the classic two-tone look.

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Watch how it's made

Video: Recipe 98: Pepper Rice (Milagu Satham) · on YouTube