
Recipe
Paruppu Sadam - Traditional South Indian Lentil Rice
Hearty Lentil Rice Delight - A Flavorful South Indian Comfort
4.6 out of 5
Paruppu Sadam is a classic South Indian dish that combines the goodness of lentils and rice. This wholesome and nutritious recipe is a staple in Indian cuisine, known for its aromatic flavors and comforting taste.
Metadata
Preparation time
10 minutes
Cooking time
20 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free
Allergens
N/A
Not suitable for
Paleo, Keto, Low-carb, High-protein, Atkins
Ingredients
-
1 cup (200g) rice 1 cup (200g) rice
-
1/2 cup (100g) toor dal (split pigeon peas) 1/2 cup (100g) toor dal (split pigeon peas)
-
1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
-
2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped
-
2 green chilies, slit 2 green chilies, slit
-
1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
-
1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
-
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
-
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
-
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing) 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida (hing)
-
2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
-
Salt to taste Salt to taste
-
Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish Fresh coriander leaves, for garnish
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
- Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 2g
- Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Salt: 1g
Preparation
-
1.Wash the rice and dal together under running water until the water runs clear. Soak them in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
-
2.Heat ghee in a pressure cooker or a large pot. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Once they splutter, add asafoetida, green chilies, and chopped onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
-
3.Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.
-
4.Add the soaked rice and dal to the pot and mix well with the spices.
-
5.Pour 3 cups (710ml) of water into the pot and stir everything together.
-
6.If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 3 whistles. If using a pot, cover with a lid and cook on medium heat until the rice and dal are cooked and soft.
-
7.Once cooked, let the pressure release naturally or allow the pot to cool down slightly before opening.
-
8.Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with a dollop of ghee.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch before cooking.
- Toor dal — Soak the dal for at least 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and a creamy texture.
Tips & Tricks
- For added flavor, temper the dish with curry leaves and dried red chilies.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder.
- Serve Paruppu Sadam with a side of papadums or pickle for an extra burst of taste.
- Leftover Paruppu Sadam can be transformed into delicious lentil rice balls by shaping them into small patties and shallow frying them until crispy.
- Experiment with different types of lentils, such as masoor dal or moong dal, to create variations of this classic dish.
Serving advice
Serve Paruppu Sadam hot with a generous drizzle of ghee on top. Accompany it with a side of papadums, pickle, and a cooling raita (yogurt-based side dish) to complement the flavors.
Presentation advice
Garnish the Paruppu Sadam with a sprinkle of fresh coriander leaves to add a pop of color. Serve it in a traditional Indian thali (plate) or a shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the dish.
More recipes...
For Paruppu sadam
More Indian cuisine dishes » Browse all

Aasmi
Aasmi is a traditional Indian sweet that is made with flour, sugar, and ghee. It is crispy, flaky, and has a hint of cardamom flavor.

Indian Canapés
Indian Appetizers
Indian Canapés are a flavorful and exotic appetizer that are perfect for those who love spicy and aromatic foods. These bite-sized treats are made...

Beetroot Chutney
Beetroot chutney
Beetroot chutney is a tangy and spicy condiment made with beetroots, onions, and a blend of spices. It is a popular accompaniment to Indian meals...