Nellika Sadam | Amla Rice | Gooseberry Recipe | Variety Rice | Lunch Box Rice Recipe

Amla mixed rice

Gooseberry/ Amla as its fondly called in India is known for its goodness and sourness. Most Indian hair oil/ related products have the extract of Amla, its an undeniable fact that they help in hair growth and even to prevent pre-mature greying of hair. Amla also is rich in anti-oxidants and is known to lower cholesterol, slows tumor growth and also reduces blood sugar level. Its rich in Vitamin C and it is said that it had twice the amount of Vitamin C to that of 2 oranges. 

My experiences of this fruit is not so pleasant as its taste. Whereas for Amma this is like raw mango to her she simply loves it. I have seen her munch this sour fruit along with red chili powder as a snack. So when I was home, she made this Amla rice and to my surprise I actually loved it.

Nellika/ Amla

Nellika Indian Recipe/ Amla Indian Recipe

AMLA RICE RECIPE

Recipe Source ~ Amma

Prep & Cook time ~30 mins

Serves ~ 4 generously

Ingredients

Amla - 1 cup deseeded & chopped, made to a paste

Cooked rice - 2 cups

Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Jeera powder - 1/2 tsp

Salt - to taste

To Temper -

Oil - 2 tbsp

Mustard seed - 1 tsp

Cumin/ Jeera - 1/2 tsp

Channa Dal - 2 tsp

Urad Dal - 2 tsp

Dry red chili - 1 no

To Grind -

Shallots/ pearl onions - 6

Ginger - 1/2 " piece 

Garlic - 2 pods

Curry leaves - 1 spring

Green chili - 3

Coconut (shredded) - 2 tbsp

To Garnish -

Groundnuts (toasted & skins removed) - handful

Coriander leavers - few

Mint leaves - few

Method

• Keep a wide pan on stove and heat oil. Add mustard seeds wait for them to splutter, add channa dal, urad dal and wait for them to turn color. Now add jeera, red chili and curry leaf. Saute well.
• Add the 1/2 cup ground amla and saute well. Add the spices - turmeric powder, cumin powder and salt. Add the ground paste and saute well on low flame till the raw smell goes. 
• Add the cooked rice and mix gently, check taste for salt. Transfer into a serving bowl. Garnish with roasted peanuts, coriander leaves & mint leaves.

Cooks Wisdom

Tip 1

1. Amla rice tastes best soon after it is cooked, do not keep it for a long time.

Tip 2

2. Taste the amla before you cook. If it is sweet add more amla, if it is sour add less amla.