Karivepaku Annam/Karivepilla Sadam- Curry Leaf Spiced Rice

Here is another simple and easy recipe for a quick lunch. Curry leaf is known for its anti diabetic properties. It is great for purification of blood, prevents premature greying of hair, prevents cataract and many other health benefits. Since we all have this habit of throwing away the leaves by pushing it to a side from the food, this is the best way to make it to ensure you get all the benefits of curry leaves.

Preparation Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Rice: 1.25 Cups (Not fully cooked, ensure the rice is separate and not sticky)

To Grind

Channa Dal/Kadala Paruppu (Split Bengal Gram Dal) - 1 teaspoon

Urad Dal/ Ulunda Paruppu (black gram) - 1 teaspoon

Sesame Seeds/ Ellu - 1 tea spoon

Tamarind (optional)- 1/2 inch square 

Black Pepper  Corns/miriyalu/karuppu milagu- 8-10

Dried Red Chillies- 5- 8 (according to your spice level)

Methi seeds/Fenugreek- 5-6

Olive oil/ground nut oil/canola oil- 1 tea spoon

Curry Leaf- 1cup washed and dried (Fried and Ground seperately)

Salt To Taste

To Season

Oil- 2-3 Table spoons

Mustard seeds- 1 tea spoon

Urad dal- 1 tea spoon

Ground nuts- about a fist full (2 table spoons)

Whole Red Chilli- 2

Hing/Asafoetida- pinch

Curry leaves - 4-5 

Method

- Parboil rice (ensuring they do not stick to each other).

- Fry all the ingredients in the "To grind" list  until the dals turn reddish (EXCEPT curry leaves). Cool & grind them into a coarse powder.

- Now dry fry the curry leaves until all the water is drained out from the curry leaves and they look like this:

- Grind separately until fine. Mix with the coarse mix. Keep aside.

- Now Season all the "To season" ingredients. Start with oil, mustard: after splutters, add urad dal & ground nuts together- fry till the nuts are crisp, add in whole red chillies, asafoetida & curry leaves. Fry for half a minute. 

- Add the Ground stuff into the oil. Fry for about a minute (in simmer).

- Mix this into the cooled rice. 

- Stir it up. Serve with pickles, "crackly" papads & chilled cucumber raitha.