By Garima Johar
May 14, 2026
Thengai sadam, aka coconut rice, which is a staple in most South Indian homes, is a soul food. During the hot summer months, when you need a light meal, coconut rice is the perfect recipe to reach for.
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
Rinse the rice and cook it in a pan or pressure cooker as per your preference.
Heat some ghee and add urad dal and mustard seeds, and let the seeds splutter.
Add dry red chilli, curry leaves, and grated ginger and saute till fragrant.
Mix in grafted coconut on low heat till it becomes slightly golden brown.
Add the cooked rice to this mixture and add salt to taste. Mix well and serve.