Kothamalli sadam (coriander rice) without onion and garlic also known as coriander rice, is a popular South Indian dish that is flavourful and colourful. The name of the dish derives from the Tamil word “kothamalli,” which means coriander. This herb is the primary ingredient in the recipe, adding a distinct taste and aroma to the dish. Notably, this recipe doesn’t include onion and garlic.
Coriander rice without onion and garlic is a popular dish in households across southern India. It is a staple during festivals and makes the perfect lunch box meal for both kids and office workers. This recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
My family and I are big fans of various rice dishes. This was inspired by my other rice recipes like South Indian style lemon rice, Tamarind Rice/ Imli Chawal, Coconut Rice/Nariyal Chawal, Pudina/ Mint rice and Raw Mango Rice. These variety rice dishes pair well with delicious side dishes such as Easy spicy potato fry, Baby potato Roast and Carrot Poriyal/ Sir-fried carrots.
Ingredients for kothamalli sadam without onion and garlic
These are the main ingredients to fry and powder for the kothamalli sadam ( coriander rice ).
- urad dal
- gram dal (chana dal )
- dried chillies
- tamarind
- kothamalli (coriander leaves )- fresh leaves
- coconut- fresh coconut
- oil- I use sunflower oil
- salt- to taste
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-By-Step Instructions Of Kothamalli Sadam (Coriander Rice ) without Onion and Garlic
In a pan or wok, heat oil over low-medium heat. Add urad dal, chana dal, chilies, and tamarind and fry until golden brown.
After frying the dals, add fresh coriander and sauté for only 30 seconds before turning off the heat.
After it has cooled down, you should transfer it to a blender.
Add ¼ cup chopped coconut and grind. Add 2 tablespoon of water while grinding.
Coarsely grind the coriander mixture as shown. Do not grind into chutney form. I prefer this consistency to mix with rice.
“Add salt according to your taste and mix it thoroughly.”
To add crunchiness to coriander rice, roast peanuts in a little oil.
Switch off the flame and add the coriander mixture to the roasted peanuts. Mix well.
Mix thoroughly until roasted peanuts mix well with the kothamalli mixture.
Finally, gently mix precooked rice with the kothamalli mixture until well coated. You can add few tablespoon of ghee for richness (optional).
Garnish with coriander leaves and serve yummy flavourful kothamalli sadam (coriander rice) without onion or garlic with yogurt or onion raita. Enjoy with sides like potato wafers, cauliflower roast, or any vegetable of your choice.
Substitution
- oil – Substitute oil with clarified butter (ghee) in kothamalli sadam for added richness and flavour.
- Chillies – replace fresh green chillies with dried chillies. Adjust the amount of chillies added based on your personal preference for spiciness.
- Tamarind – to replace tamarind, add a few drops of lemon juice instead.
- Rice – You can use any rice variety like basmati or raw rice, but I prefer to use sona masoori.
- Peanuts – cashew nuts are a better alternative to peanuts as they add richness to rice.
Variations
Feel free to experiment and customize the recipe according to your taste preferences. These variations will add a new dimension of flavours to your kothamalli sadam (coriander rice) without the use of onions and garlic.
- Mint Kothamalli Sadam – Combine fresh mint leaves with the coriander leaves when blending the mixture. It adds a refreshing and cooling element to the dish.
- Tomato Kothamalli Sadam – Enhance the flavor by adding chopped tomatoes with kothamalli (coriander) mixture. You can sauté the tomatoes before adding the kothamalli mix or add them directly to the coarse paste.
- karuveppillai (curry leaves) kothamalli Sadam – You can blend curry leaves and coriander leaves together. It adds refreshing and flavour to the dish.
Storage
Kothamalli sadam is a delicious dish that can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store it properly, follow these steps:
- Allow the kothamalli sadam to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- If you make a big batch and want individual servings each day, take the required quantity of rice and heat it in a frying pan or microwave for 30 seconds.
Top tip
One way to enhance the flavor of kothamalli sadam without onion and garlic is to roast the coriander leaves and other spices before making a coarse mixture. This helps release their essential oils and intensifies the aroma.
FAQ
Yes, you can! Just check the quantity of water while cooking the rice because the rice should not be mushy.
Yes, it can be cooked like a one-pot meal, but the taste may differ. I prefer mixing the precooked rice with the kothamalli mixture.
“Of course, you can use it. The rice will be more flavourful.”
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing for Coriander rice without onion and garlic
These are my favourite sides to serve with kothamalli sadam (coriander rice) without onion and garlic.
Recipe Card👇
Kothamalli Sadam (coriander rice) without onion and garlic
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups coriander leaves (fresh)
- 3 dried chillies
- 3 teaspoon urad dal
- 1½ teaspoon gram dal (channa dal )
- tamarind ( small pebbled size )
- ¼ cup coconut
- ¼ cup peanuts
- 4 cups rice ( cooked )
- 4 tablespoon oil ( for frying dals and peanuts ) ( vegetable oil )
Instructions
- In a pan or wok, heat oil over low-medium heat. Add urad dal, chana dal, chilies, and tamarind and fry until golden brown.
- After frying the dals, add fresh coriander and sauté for only 30 seconds before turning off the heat.
- After it has cooled down, you should transfer it to a blender.
- Add ¼ cup chopped coconut and grind. Add 2 tablespoon of water while grinding.
- Coarsely grind the coriander mixture as shown. I prefer this consistency to mix with rice.
- “Add salt according to your taste and mix it thoroughly.”
- To add crunchiness to coriander rice, roast peanuts in a little oil.
- Switch off the flame and add the coriander mixture to the roasted peanuts. Mix well.
- Mix thoroughly until roasted peanuts mix well with the kothamalli mixture.
- Finally, gently mix precooked rice with the kothamalli mixture until well coated.
- Serve kothamalli sadam (coriander rice) without onion or garlic with yogurt or onion raita. Enjoy with sides like potato wafers or vegetable roast.
Notes
Nutrition
Asokan
Just love the coriander flavor. It’s too good!
JAYANTHY
Thank you!
JAYANTHY
Flavourful rice!
JAYANTHY
Thank you!