Vepampoo Podi Saadham (Neem Flower Powder Rice)
Vepampoo Podi Saadham, also known as Neem Flower Powder Rice, is a traditional South Indian rice dish prepared with roasted dried neem flowers, lentils, spices, garlic, and ghee. The pleasantly bitter flavour of neem flowers is balanced by aromatic roasted spices and the richness of ghee.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 serving
Recipe contributed by Barnali Dutta.
Published:
Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons dried neem flowers
- 2 teaspoons urad dal
- 2 teaspoons chana dal
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 dried red chillies
- Salt, to taste
- A pinch of asafoetida
- 8–10 curry leaves
- 5–7 garlic cloves, lightly crushed with the skin on
- ¼ teaspoon mustard seeds
- ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons ghee
- 1 cup hot steamed rice
Directions
- Dry-roast the dried neem flowers until they become deep brown and aromatic. Allow them to cool before grinding them into a fine powder.
- Dry-roast the urad dal and chana dal separately until lightly browned. Grind them together into a fine powder.
- Dry-roast the black pepper and dried red chillies, then grind them into a fine powder.
- Heat the ghee in a pan. Add the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and lightly crushed garlic. Fry until fragrant.
- Place the hot steamed rice in a serving bowl. Salt the cooked rice lightly if required.
- Add the prepared neem flower powder, lentil powder, spice powder, and hot seasoning. Mix gently until the rice is evenly coated and serve immediately.
Tips
The roasted neem flowers provide a pleasantly bitter flavour that is balanced by the richness of ghee. If you are trying this recipe for the first time, begin with a smaller quantity of neem flower powder and adjust according to your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vepampoo Podi Saadham?
Vepampoo Podi Saadham is a traditional South Indian rice dish prepared with roasted dried neem flowers, lentils, spices, garlic, ghee, and steamed rice.
Why are dried neem flowers roasted?
Roasting develops the aroma of the dried neem flowers and helps balance their naturally bitter flavour before they are ground into powder.
Can I reduce the quantity of neem flowers?
Yes. If you are unfamiliar with the bitter flavour of neem flowers, begin with a smaller quantity and add more according to your taste.
What can be served with Vepampoo Podi Saadham?
It may be served on its own or accompanied by curd, papad, pickle, or a simple vegetable side dish.
You may also like: Related neem flower recipe
Further reading: Botanical information about neem (Azadirachta indica)
