Oralu Chitranna

 

Stone-Ground Coconut Mustard Rice (with Jaggery)

This authentic Karnataka festive rice is prepared using a freshly ground coconut-mustard masala made in an Oralu (stone mortar). A small piece of jaggery is traditionally added while grinding to balance the spice and sourness — enhancing both flavour and aroma.

🛒 Ingredients:

For Masala (To Grind – NO water):

• ½ cup fresh grated coconut

• 5–6 dry red chillies (Byadagi preferred)

• A small marble-sized piece of tamarind

• ½ tsp mustard seeds

• A small piece of jaggery

• A generous pinch of hing

• Salt to taste

Grind into a coarse mixture in an oralu / mortar
(Do not add water)

For Tempering:

• 1 tsp mustard seeds

• 2 tsp chana dal

• 2 tsp urad dal

• 2 tbsp peanuts

• Curry leaves

• A pinch of turmeric

• 1–2 tbsp oil

For Mixing:

• 3–4 cups cooked rice

• 1 tsp oil (optional, to separate grains)

 Method:

1. Spread freshly cooked rice on a plate and drizzle a little oil to keep grains separate.

2. In an oralu (stone mortar), grind:

   • Coconut

   • Dry red chillies

   • Tamarind

   • Mustard seeds

   • Jaggery

   • Hing

   • Salt

   into a coarse mixture without adding water.

3. Heat oil in a pan.

4. Add:

   • Mustard seeds

   • Peanuts

   • Chana dal

   • Urad dal

   Fry until golden.

5. Add curry leaves and turmeric powder.

6. Add the ground masala and sauté briefly on low flame until aromatic.

7. Switch off the flame.

8. Mix this into the prepared rice gently.

 Traditional Note:

In many Karnataka households, a small piece of jaggery is added while grinding to create the perfect balance of spicy, tangy and mildly sweet flavours.