
Milagu Sadam
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.
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
Wash the basmati rice till the water runs clear and let it soak while you build the masala; drain before it goes in.
- 2
Melt ghee over medium flame, toast the whole spices briefly, then add the sliced onions.
- 3
Brown the onions properly, stir in ginger garlic paste, then bloom the powdered spices in the fat.
- 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
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.
/dish/30276Watch how it's made
Video: Recipe 98: Pepper Rice (Milagu Satham) · on YouTube