Poondu Sadam | Masala Garlic rice
Poondu Sadam Recipe | Simple Garlic Rice | South Indian Garlic Rice with step-by-step pictures and video recipe. Check out the poondu sadam recipe. If you like the video pls SUBSCRIBE to my channel.
Garlic Rice (Poondu Sadam) is one of the quickest and most flavorful South Indian variety rice recipes — perfect for bachelors, beginners, and busy weekdays. Crushed garlic sautéed in sesame oil with fennel, cumin, and simple spice powders gives this rice an irresistible aroma and bold flavor. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, this bachelor‑style garlic rice comes together in minutes and tastes even better after resting for a few hours.
What is Poondu Sadam?
Poondu Sadam is a South Indian garlic‑flavored variety rice made by sautéing crushed garlic with spices and mixing it with cooked rice.
Is this recipe beginner‑friendly?
Yes — this bachelor‑style version uses minimal ingredients and comes together in under 10 minutes.
Why does the garlic mixture turn frothy?
When crushed garlic hits hot sesame oil along with spices, it froths naturally. This is normal and enhances flavor.
Can I use leftover rice?
Absolutely. Leftover rice works best because it stays grainy and mixes well without turning mushy.
Can I skip garam masala or sambar powder?
You can adjust or skip based on preference. The recipe is flexible and still tastes great with just chilli powder and garlic.
Why does resting time improve the flavor?
As the rice rests, the garlic and spice flavors deepen and coat the grains better, giving a more aromatic and flavorful result.
What can I serve with Garlic Rice?
It pairs well with curd, pickle, papad, potato fry, or any simple poriyal.
Ingredients
Garlic 5 cloves
Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp
Sesame oil 1 tbsp
Fennel seeds little
Cumin seeds little
Sambar powder 1/2 tsp
Cooked rice 1½ cups
Garam masala 1/4 tsp
Salt as required
Coriander leaves little
Lemon juice a little
How to make Poondu Sadam with step-by-step pictures
- ️Crush garlic, sambar powder, garam masala, and Kashmiri chilli powder into a coarse mixture
- ️Heat the sesame oil, add fennel seeds and cumin seeds, then add the crushed mixture; it will turn frothy immediately
- ️ Sauté until the raw smell goes off
- Furthermore, add water and give a quick mix
- ️ Add cooked rice and salt; mix well and sauté for a minute
- ️ Finally, add coriander leaves and lemon juice; mix well
- ️ Let it rest for a few hours for the best flavor, then warm and enjoy
Ingredients
- Garlic 5 cloves
- Kashmiri chilli powder 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 tbsp
- Fennel seeds little
- Cumin seeds little
- Sambar powder 1/2 tsp
- Cooked rice 1½ cups
- Garam masala 1/4 tsp
- Salt as required
- Coriander leaves little
- Lemon juice little
Instructions
- ⭐️ Crush garlic, sambar powder, garam masala, and Kashmiri chilli powder into a coarse mixture
- ⭐️ Heat sesame oil, add fennel seeds and cumin seeds, then add the crushed mixture; it will turn frothy immediately
- ⭐️ Sauté until the raw smell goes off
- ⭐️ Add cooked rice and salt; mix well and sauté for a minute
- ⭐️ Finally, add coriander leaves and lemon juice; mix well
- ⭐️ Let it rest for a few hours for best flavor, then warm and enjoy
Video
