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Vetrilai Rice | Betel Leaf Rice — A Healing Recipe

A recipe that healed me — taught by my dear Akka in Coimbatore who made this when I was sick with cold and digestive issues. Vetrilai rice made with freshly dry roasted and ground masala of urad dal, groundnuts, sesame seeds, pepper and coriander seeds — tempered with garlic, curry leaves and finely chopped betel leaves. Medicinal, aromatic and deeply comforting. Serve with appalam. Made at least once in two weeks in our home! 🌿🤍
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course: Main Course, rice
Cuisine: SOUTH INDIAN
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • To dry roast and grind:
  • 1 tbsp urad dal
  • 3 red chillies
  • 1 tbsp fried groundnuts
  • 1 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp jeera
  • 1 tbsp white sesame seeds
  • For tempering:
  • Oil as needed
  • Mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp channa dal
  • Few cashews chopped (optional)
  • 2 red chillies
  • A handful of curry leaves
  • 4 garlic pods chopped
  • 4 vetrilai betel leaves, finely chopped
  • For rice:
  • 1½ cup cooked rice
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • pan
  • mixie

Method
 

  1. Dry roast urad dal, red chillies, groundnuts, coriander seeds, pepper, jeera and sesame seeds on low flame till golden and fragrant.
  2. Cool completely and grind into a slightly coarse powder. Keep aside.
  3. Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and channa dal. Let splutter.
  4. Add cashews, red chillies, curry leaves and chopped garlic. Fry really well.
  5. Add finely chopped betel leaves. Lightly coat in tempering — don't over fry!
  6. Add cooked rice and salt. Mix gently.
  7. Add ground powder and mix really well till every grain is coated.
  8. Serve hot with appalam.

Notes

Dry roast on low flame — don't burn!
Cool completely before grinding.
Keep powder slightly coarse — don't over grind.
Don't over fry betel leaves — just lightly coat in tempering!
Use day old rice for best results.
Cashews are optional but add beautiful crunch.
Serve with appalam — the perfect combination! 😍
Betel leaves aid digestion and help with cold — truly medicinal! 🌿