Authentic South Indian Perugu Annam Recipe: A Step-By-Step Guide

Ingredients

2 cups of cooked rice
1 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon of salt (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon of mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds
1 green chili, finely chopped
1 dry red chili
1 teaspoon of urad dal
1/2 teaspoon of chana dal
A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
10-12 curry leaves
2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh coriander leaves

Steps and instructions

Ensure the cooked rice is cooled down before beginning. If it's warm, refrigerate it for a bit.
Take a large bowl and add the cooked rice into it.
Add the plain yogurt and salt to the rice. Mix it well so that the rice is well combined with the yogurt. Adjust the salt as per your taste. Set this aside.
Now, let's prepare the tempering. Take a small pan and heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add the mustard seeds to the oil. Once they start to crackle, add the cumin seeds.
Add the finely chopped green chili, dry red chili, urad dal, and chana dal to the pan. Fry them until the dals turn golden brown.
Add the asafoetida and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds until the leaves become crispy.
Pour this tempering over the yogurt and rice mixture. Mix everything well.
Garnish with finely chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Your delicious Perugu Annam is ready to be served. Enjoy it as is or with a side of pickle or chutney.

Tools for making

Large Bowl - Needed to mix the rice and yogurt together.
Small Pan - Used to prepare the tempering for the dish.
Spatula - To mix the rice and yogurt, and to stir the tempering ingredients.
Knife - Required to finely chop the green chili and coriander leaves.
Measuring Spoons - To measure the salt, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal, and chana dal.
Refrigerator - Needed to cool down the cooked rice before mixing.

Recipe variations

Add diced vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers to the Perugu Annam for extra crunch and flavor.
Include roasted cashews or peanuts for a nutty texture.
For a spicy kick, add finely chopped green chili or red chili powder.
Sprinkle some roasted cumin powder or chaat masala to enhance the taste.
Replace plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt or coconut milk yogurt instead of regular yogurt.
Add a teaspoon of grated ginger for a hint of spiciness and added flavor.
Drizzle a teaspoon of ghee or clarified butter over the Perugu Annam for richness and aroma.
Include roasted sesame seeds or crushed roasted peanuts as a topping for a nutty flavor.
Serve the Perugu Annam with a side of pickle or chutney for an extra burst of flavors.

Recipe overview

Perugu Annam is a traditional South Indian recipe that is both delicious and easy to make. This dish consists of cooked rice mixed with plain yogurt and a variety of Indian spices. The unique tempering made with mustard seeds, cumin seeds, chilies, and dals gives the dish a rich and tantalizing flavor. The recipe is quite simple; first, the cooked rice is cooled and mixed with yogurt and salt. A separate tempering is prepared, and then added to the yogurt rice mixture. This dish can be enjoyed as is, or paired with your favorite pickle or chutney. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for you. Prepare to be amazed by the explosion of flavors in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Common questions

Can I use leftover rice for Perugu Annam?
Yes, you can use leftover rice for this recipe. In fact, using cooled leftover rice works best as it will absorb the flavors of the yogurt and tempering.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for plain yogurt. However, Greek yogurt has a thicker consistency, so you may need to adjust the quantity accordingly to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I add veggies to Perugu Annam?
Yes, you can add vegetables like grated carrots, chopped cucumber, or steamed corn kernels to Perugu Annam for added texture and flavor. Mix them in after combining the rice with yogurt.
What can I serve with Perugu Annam?
Perugu Annam can be enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing dish. It also pairs well with Indian pickles, chutneys, or papads as accompaniments.
How long can I store Perugu Annam?
Perugu Annam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Large bowl - A large bowl is needed to mix the cooked rice and yogurt together.
Small pan - A small pan is required to prepare the tempering for the dish.
Spatula - A spatula will be useful for mixing the rice and yogurt mixture.
Serving spoon - A serving spoon is needed to portion out the Perugu Annam for serving.
Chopping board - A chopping board will be helpful if you need to chop fresh coriander leaves for garnishing.
Knife - A knife is essential for chopping the green chili and coriander leaves.
Refrigerator - If the cooked rice is warm, a refrigerator can be used to cool it down before mixing with yogurt.

Origin stories

Perugu Annam, also known as curd rice, is a quintessential comfort food that hails from the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This soothing, delicately spiced dish is a staple in many South Indian homes and is commonly eaten at the end of a meal to help cool the stomach after the spicy main courses. The simplicity of Perugu Annam belies its importance in Andhra cuisine, with the tangy yogurt and aromatic spices working harmoniously to create a satisfying dish that is more than the sum of its parts. It is also a beloved offering to the deity in many Hindu temples. The cooling properties of yogurt and the comfort of rice make it an ideal food for hot summer days, and it's often packed for travel due to its ability to stay fresh for long periods.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.