Andhra Pradesh, nestled along the southeastern coast of India, is renowned for its vibrant, spice-laden culinary traditions. While many are familiar with its fiery non-vegetarian fare, the vegetarian rice dishes from Andhra deserve equal applause.
Each recipe bursts with fresh flavors, aromatic tempering, and a delicate balance of heat and tang that reflect the diversity of the region. Whether you’re new to Andhra cuisine or a long-time devotee, these vegetarian rice recipes are sure to win your heart and palate.
The best part? They’re wholesome, easy to prepare, and perfect for both weekday meals and festive occasions.
So, get ready to explore the bold world of Andhra vegetarian rice recipes—each grain telling a story of heritage, family, and celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: Andhra rice recipes deliver a unique combination of spices, tanginess, and freshness, making each bite memorable.
- Nutritious & Vegetarian: These dishes are packed with vegetables, protein-rich lentils, and healthy fats.
- Quick & Easy: Most recipes can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy days or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile: Serve them as a main course, in lunchboxes, or as part of a festive spread.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, these rice dishes suit a variety of dietary needs.
- Family-Friendly: Mild spice adjustments make them ideal for kids and adults alike.
Andhra Vegetarian Rice Recipes List
- Andhra Avakaya Mango Rice
- Gongura Pulihora (Sorrel Leaf Rice)
- Kobbari Annam (Coconut Rice)
- Chintapandu Pulihora (Tamarind Rice)
- Mamidikaya Pulihora (Raw Mango Rice)
Let’s dive into each of these beloved Andhra vegetarian rice recipes, with detailed steps, tips, and plenty of flavor!
Andhra Avakaya Mango Rice
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked rice (preferably Sona Masuri) | 3 cups |
Raw mango (peeled, grated) | 1 cup |
Avakaya pickle | 2-3 tbsp |
Oil (preferably peanut or sunflower) | 2 tbsp |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Chana dal | 1 tbsp |
Urad dal | 1 tbsp |
Dried red chilies | 2 |
Curry leaves | 10-12 |
Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
Salt | To taste |
Roasted peanuts | 2 tbsp |
Equipment
- Wide mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed pan or kadai
- Spatula
- Grater
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook rice so that each grain is separate. Spread it out on a wide plate and let it cool.
- Temper the Spices: Heat oil in a pan. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add chana dal and urad dal; fry till golden.
- Add dried red chilies and curry leaves. Sauté for a few seconds until aromatic.
- Add Mango & Turmeric: Stir in grated raw mango and turmeric powder. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the mango softens slightly but retains some crunch.
- Add roasted peanuts. Mix well.
- Combine with Rice: Transfer the tempering and mango mixture to the cooled rice. Add salt and Avakaya pickle.
- Gently mix everything together, ensuring the grains don’t break.
- Let the rice sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavors. Serve with papad or raita.
Tips & Variations
- Use day-old rice for best texture.
- Adjust pickle quantity for desired spice level.
- Try adding a handful of chopped coriander for freshness.
- For a festive touch, garnish with fried cashews.
- If you enjoy exploring rice recipes, try this Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for a fusion meal.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 220 |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 220mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crisp papad, a bowl of cooling cucumber raita, or plain yogurt.
- Pair with a simple dal or fryums for a comforting meal.
- Great for lunchboxes—kids love the tangy, spicy flavor!
Gongura Pulihora (Sorrel Leaf Rice)
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked rice | 3 cups |
Gongura leaves (sorrel), washed & chopped | 2 cups |
Green chilies, slit | 3-4 |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Cumin seeds | 1/2 tsp |
Chana dal | 1 tbsp |
Urad dal | 1 tbsp |
Dried red chilies | 2 |
Curry leaves | 10 |
Hing (asafoetida) | 1/4 tsp |
Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
Oil (preferably sesame) | 2 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Equipment
- Wide mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook rice and allow it to cool so grains remain separate.
- Cook Gongura Leaves: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add chopped gongura leaves and sauté until wilted and soft. Set aside.
- Temper Spices: In the same pan, heat remaining oil. Add mustard seeds, cumin, chana dal, urad dal, and fry until golden.
- Add dried red chilies, green chilies, curry leaves, and asafoetida. Sauté for a minute.
- Mix Everything: Add sautéed gongura, turmeric, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes more.
- Transfer this mixture to the cooled rice and gently combine, ensuring even coating.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Gongura has a natural tang—no need for extra lemon or tamarind.
- For extra crunch, add roasted peanuts or cashews.
- Love unique rice dishes? You might also like this Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe as a dessert pairing!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 200 |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 34g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 210mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with fresh curds, papad, or a spicy vegetable fry.
- Ideal for festive meals or as a unique lunchbox treat.
Kobbari Annam (Coconut Rice)
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked rice | 3 cups |
Fresh grated coconut | 1 cup |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Chana dal | 1 tbsp |
Urad dal | 1 tbsp |
Curry leaves | 10-12 |
Green chilies, slit | 2-3 |
Cashews, broken | 2 tbsp |
Oil (preferably coconut or sunflower) | 2 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Equipment
- Wide mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Spatula
- Grater
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook and cool rice for best texture.
- Temper the Spices: Heat oil, add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and fry till golden.
- Add curry leaves, green chilies, and cashews. Sauté until cashews are golden.
- Add Coconut: Stir in fresh grated coconut and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Don’t let it brown.
- Combine with Rice: Add the coconut mixture to the rice. Sprinkle salt and gently mix.
- Let the flavors meld for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated coconut for best flavor.
- For added aroma, drizzle a teaspoon of coconut oil just before serving.
- Try pairing this with a spicy vegetable curry or a simple dal.
- If you enjoy simple yet flavorful dishes, check out this Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a wholesome dessert option.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 230 |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 9g |
Carbohydrates | 33g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sodium | 180mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Pairs beautifully with Andhra-style tomato chutney or majjiga pulusu (buttermilk stew).
- Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or festive platters.
Chintapandu Pulihora (Andhra Tamarind Rice)
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked rice | 3 cups |
Tamarind pulp | 3 tbsp |
Oil (sesame preferred) | 2 tbsp |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Chana dal | 1 tbsp |
Urad dal | 1 tbsp |
Curry leaves | 10 |
Dried red chilies | 2 |
Green chilies, slit | 2 |
Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
Hing (asafoetida) | 1/4 tsp |
Jaggery (optional) | 1 tsp |
Roasted peanuts | 2 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Equipment
- Wide mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook rice and spread it out to cool.
- Make Tamarind Sauce: In a pan, heat oil, add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and fry till golden.
- Add dried red chilies, green chilies, curry leaves, and hing. Sauté for a minute.
- Add turmeric and tamarind pulp. Cook on medium flame until oil separates and raw smell disappears (approx. 4-5 minutes). Add jaggery for a mild sweetness.
- Add salt and roasted peanuts. Mix well.
- Combine with Rice: Pour this tamarind mixture over the cooled rice. Mix gently until all the rice is evenly coated.
- Let it rest for 15-20 minutes for flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust tamarind and jaggery for your preferred balance of tangy and sweet.
- For extra crunch, add fried cashews or extra peanuts.
- Love trying new rice dishes? Pair this meal with a refreshing Green Goodness Juice Recipe for a vibrant lunch!
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 33g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 200mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with papad and plain yogurt for a classic Andhra meal.
- Ideal for festival offerings or picnics.
Mamidikaya Pulihora (Raw Mango Rice)
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Cooked rice | 3 cups |
Raw mango, peeled and grated | 1 cup |
Mustard seeds | 1 tsp |
Chana dal | 1 tbsp |
Urad dal | 1 tbsp |
Dried red chilies | 2 |
Curry leaves | 10 |
Green chilies, slit | 2 |
Turmeric powder | 1/4 tsp |
Roasted peanuts | 2 tbsp |
Oil (peanut or sunflower) | 2 tbsp |
Salt | To taste |
Equipment
- Wide mixing bowl
- Heavy-bottomed pan
- Spatula
- Grater
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Cook and cool the rice.
- Temper the Spices: Heat oil in a pan, add mustard seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and fry till golden.
- Add dried red chilies, green chilies, curry leaves, and turmeric powder. Sauté briefly.
- Add Mango: Add grated raw mango and cook for 2-3 minutes until just softened.
- Add roasted peanuts and salt. Mix well.
- Combine: Add this mixture to the cooled rice and gently mix until well combined.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart raw mangoes for the signature tang.
- Add a handful of chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
- For a festive touch, garnish with fried cashews.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 215 |
Protein | 5g |
Fat | 8g |
Carbohydrates | 33g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sodium | 190mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with papad or a simple cucumber salad.
- Pairs beautifully with Andhra-style dal or curd.
Conclusion
Andhra vegetarian rice recipes are a delightful celebration of flavors, textures, and tradition. Each dish, from the tangy Mamidikaya Pulihora to the aromatic Coconut Rice, reflects the essence of Andhra’s rich culinary heritage.
These recipes are easy to master, versatile enough for everyday meals, and impressive enough to serve at festive gatherings. With vibrant spices, fresh vegetables, and simple techniques, you can bring the spirit of Andhra right to your dining table.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunchbox idea or preparing for a special occasion, these rice dishes are sure to become family favorites. Don’t be afraid to experiment—Andhra cuisine is all about boldness and joy!
If you enjoyed these, explore more with our Kosher Vegetarian Recipes or treat yourself with a sweet bite like the Gold Medal Flour Recipes Sugar Cookies. Happy cooking and happy eating!
đź“– Recipe Card: Andhra Lemon Rice
Description: A tangy and flavorful rice dish from Andhra Pradesh, Lemon Rice is a quick and easy vegetarian meal perfect for lunchboxes or light dinners. It is aromatic, colorful, and packed with South Indian spices.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably cooled)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon chana dal
- 1 tablespoon urad dal
- 2 dried red chilies, broken
- 10-12 curry leaves
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 cup roasted peanuts
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds.
- When mustard seeds splutter, add chana dal, urad dal, and fry until golden.
- Add dried red chilies, curry leaves, and green chilies; sauté for a minute.
- Add turmeric powder and peanuts; stir well.
- Add the cooked rice and salt; mix gently to combine.
- Turn off the heat and add lemon juice; mix thoroughly.
- Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 11 g | Carbs: 48 g
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