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    Ellu Sadam | Sesame Rice

    October 18, 2015 By Vidya Srinivasan 22 Comments

    44 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Ellu Sadam | sesame rice recipe | sesame seed rice | எள்ளு சாதம் | elludarai | ellodarai

    Kannum pongal recipe | Sesame seed rice | எள்ளோதரை til rice | south Indian rice variety with step-by-step pictures and video recipe. Check out the Ellu Sadam recipe. If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel


    Ellu Sadam | sesame rice recipe | eluodarai | எள்ளு சாதம் | ellodarai | Kannum pongal recipe | Sesame seed rice | til rice | south Indian rice variety
    is a tasty variety of rice prepared with black sesame seed. Ellu gives an intense flavor to the rice. With some cooked rice, this can be prepared within 10 minutes. Make ahead and enjoy after few hours for the best flavor.

    What is Ellu Sadam?

    Ellu Sadam is a traditional South Indian sesame rice made with roasted sesame seeds, lentils, red chillies, and spices. It is commonly prepared in temples and during festivals.

    Why is Ellu Sadam considered a temple‑style dish?

    The recipe uses simple, sattvic ingredients like sesame seeds, urad dal, and mild spices — all commonly used in temple prasadam preparations.

    Can I use black sesame seeds instead of white?

    Yes. Black sesame seeds give a deeper flavor and darker color, while white sesame seeds offer a milder taste.

    What type of rice works best for Ellu Sadam?

    Short‑grain rice like ponni, sona masoori, or raw rice works best. The grains should be cooked, fluffy, and separate.

     Is Ellu Sadam healthy?

    Yes — sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron, and healthy fats. The dish is naturally vegan and nutritious.

    Can I prepare the sesame spice powder in advance?

    Absolutely. The ellu podi can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, making the recipe even quicker.

    What can I serve with Ellu Sadam?

    It pairs well with:

    • Appalam (papad)
    • Curd
    • Simple vegetable poriyal
    • Pickle

     Is Ellu Sadam suitable for fasting or puja days?

    Yes — it is traditionally made for Sashti, Navaratri, Aadi month, and other auspicious days.

     

    Variety rice recipes in TMF

    Pongal | kannum pongal recipes

    marundhu kuzhambu

    Milagu kuzhambu

    Ingredients

    Cooked rice – 2 cups

    Sesame oil

    To grind

    Black/White sesame seeds – 2 tbsp

    Urad dal – 1 tbsp

    Chana dal – 1 tbsp

    Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp

    Pepper – 1/4 tsp

    Dry red chillies – adjust to taste

    Roasted peanuts – 1 tsp

    To temper

    Sesame oil – 1 + 1/2 tbsp

    Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp

    Chana dal – 1 tbsp

    Urad dal – 1 tbsp

    Roasted peanuts – a handful

    Cashews – 6

    Curry leaves – a few

    Asafoetida – a generous pinch

    Dry red chillies – 2

    Pepper powder – 1/4 tsp 

    How to make Ellu Sadam with step-by-step pictures

    • ️Spread the cooked rice in a wide pan. Add a few drops of sesame oil and gently mix. Let it cool a bit

    • ️ Dry roast all the ingredients listed under “To grind” until aromatic. Cool and grind to a coarse powder

    • ️Heat sesame oil in a pan

    • Add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, peanuts, cashews, red chillies; Fry till golden

    • ️Furthermore, add curry leaves, asafoetida, and pepper powder, and mix well
    • ️Add this tempering to the rice

    • Furthermore, add the sesame powder little by little, mixing gently until it suits your taste
    • ️ Add salt and mix well
    • ️ Let it rest for a few hours. It tastes even better after resting 

    ellu sadam

    sesame rice
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    Ingredients

    • Cooked rice – 2 cups
    • Sesame oil

    To grind

    • Black/White sesame seeds – 2 tbsp
    • Urad dal – 1 tbsp
    • Chana dal – 1 tbsp
    • Cumin seeds – 1/2 tsp
    • Pepper – 1/4 tsp
    • Dry red chillies – adjust to taste
    • Roasted peanuts – 1 tsp

    To temper

    • Sesame oil – 1 + 1/2 tbsp
    • Mustard seeds – 1/2 tsp
    • Chana dal – 1 tbsp
    • Urad dal – 1 tbsp
    • Roasted peanuts – a handful
    • Cashews – 6
    • Curry leaves – a few
    • Asafoetida – a generous pinch
    • Dry red chillies – 2
    • Pepper powder – 1/4 tsp

    Instructions

    • Spread the cooked rice in a wide pan. Add a few drops of sesame oil and gently mix. Let it cool a bit
    • ️ Dry roast all the ingredients listed under “To grind” until aromatic. Cool and grind to a coarse powder
    • ️Heat sesame oil in a pan
    • Add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, peanuts, cashews, red chillies; Fry till golden
    • ️Furthermore, add curry leaves, asafoetida, and pepper powder, and mix well
    • ️Add this tempering to the rice
    • Furthermore, add the sesame powder little by little, mixing gently until it suits your taste
    • ️ Add salt and mix well
    • ️ Let it rest for a few hours. It tastes even better after resting

    Video

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    Comments

    1. Srividhya

      October 18, 2015 at 11:51 pm

      Love the ellu flavor. Yummy rice

      Reply
    2. Shyama

      October 18, 2015 at 11:55 pm

      Yummm...my fav variety rice. I can smell the roasted sesame as I read your post. My aunt makes a slightly different version. Hoping to post the recipe sometime soon.

      Reply
      • Vidya Srinivasan

        October 20, 2015 at 4:09 pm

        I have heard a lot about your cracked Wheat ellu preparation from Amma:-) waiting to see your version

        Reply
    3. chcooks

      October 18, 2015 at 11:58 pm

      Looks so yumm dear 🙂

      Reply
    4. veena

      October 19, 2015 at 12:29 am

      Looks Yum! healthy and simple rice

      Reply
    5. Varsha

      October 19, 2015 at 6:29 am

      Oh Vidya! I love ellu sadam.. This will be the menu for tomorrow's lunch in my home.the pics are so tempting.. And happy navrathri Vidya 🙂

      Reply
    6. Moumita Malla

      October 19, 2015 at 6:51 am

      Everyday morning ,I would have to wake up at 5am sharp..by 6a.m..I have to make two different kinds of dishes for my daughter snack and lunch box...now I can sleep 15 minutes more..just for your one pot rice recipe...thet are so yuum abd easy to cook which I want. Thanks a lot dear.

      Reply
      • Vidya Srinivasan

        October 20, 2015 at 3:50 pm

        Thanks a lot Moumita for your sweet words.. You made my day

        Reply
    7. Bharani

      October 19, 2015 at 12:06 pm

      I love this....yummy 🙂

      Reply
    8. Vajeea

      October 19, 2015 at 12:43 pm

      have never tried sesame seeds in rice. this recipe sounds so flavourful and tasty! got to try this!

      Reply
    9. cheri

      October 19, 2015 at 2:20 pm

      I love how you turned this rice into something really special.

      Reply
    10. Spiceindiaonline

      October 20, 2015 at 7:24 am

      Lovely sesame rice, i can smell in here! Touch of peanuts, awesome!

      Reply
    11. Arasi

      October 20, 2015 at 10:11 am

      Simple yet a tasty and flavorful rice Vidhya.. 🙂

      Reply
      • Vidya Srinivasan

        October 23, 2015 at 4:04 pm

        Thanku Arasi:-)

        Reply
    12. Ruxana

      October 20, 2015 at 2:47 pm

      Healthy and a simple delicious rice

      Reply
    13. Vidya Srinivasan

      October 20, 2015 at 3:54 pm

      Thanku All:-)

      Reply
    14. swathi

      October 20, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      Ellu sadam looks super Vidya very nice.

      Reply
    15. Nish Kitchen

      October 20, 2015 at 6:05 pm

      Sesame seed rice is pretty new to me. It looks super delicious! Bookmarked!

      Reply
    16. Gayathri Ramanan

      October 20, 2015 at 9:34 pm

      very easy and flavorful one pot meal...will try your version one day...

      Reply
    17. joejoe

      October 21, 2015 at 2:18 am

      its look so yummy... i'll try its at home and thx for the information

      Reply
    18. Sundari

      October 26, 2015 at 9:28 am

      Yummy flavourful rice!!! My fav!!

      Reply
      • Vidya Srinivasan

        October 26, 2015 at 5:27 pm

        Thanku Sundari:-)

        Reply

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