South Indian Thengai Sadam For A Home-Style Comforting Meal 

By Garima Johar

October 14, 2025

Thengai sadam, or coconut rice, is a South Indian staple that is simple yet flavourful. The one-pot recipe is easy to make and is perfect for those times when you’re missing home and need a comforting meal.

Ingredients

1 cup rice 1 cup grated coconut 2 tablespoons ghee 1 teaspoon urad dal 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 1 red chilli A few curry leaves 1/2 inch ginger Salt to taste

Step 1

Rinse the rice and cook it in a pan or pressure cooker as per your preference.

Step 2

Heat some ghee and add urad dal and mustard seeds, letting the seeds splutter.

Step 3

Add dry red chilli, curry leaves, and grated ginger and saute till fragrant.

Step 4

Mix in grafted coconut on low heat till it becomes slightly golden brown.

Step 5

Add the cooked rice to this mixture and add salt as per taste. Mix well and serve.