Veppampoo Rice - வேப்பம்பூ சாதம்

Veppam Poo - Neem Flower.

My mom used to collect it during the summer season, when these flowers fall from the tree on its own.

These days this can be bought from stores that are also cleaned well of dirt.

Such store bought can be kept for a year when kept in air tight containers.

South Indian dishes made out of Neem Flower - Rasam, Thuvayal - துவையல், Pachadi - பச்சடி, Angaya Podi - அங்காய பொடி and Rice - சாதம்.

Neem Flower Rice - வேப்பம்பூ சாதம்

Neem flower has medicinal propertie and is considered to cure for stomach upset, bile - பித்தம் etc  and this is usually taken with this rice and ghee in small quantities.

Ingredients Needed:-
1.  Cooked Rice - 1 cup
2.  Salt - to taste
3.  Veppam Poo - Dried Neem flowers
Note:- For 1 cup of cooked rice - 2 tblsp of veppam poo.

Ingredients for Seasoning:-
1.  Mustard Seeds
2.  Dry Red chillies  or Curd chillies 2 nos broken into pieces
3.  Curry leaves
4.  Hing
5.  Ghee - 1 tablespoon to fry Veppampoo
 

Method :-
1. Heat oil in a Kadai season Mustard Seeds, Red/Curd chillies, Curry leaves and Hing.
2. Add cooked Rice and Salt.  
3. Now Heat ghee in another vessel fry Veppampoo in slow flame till dark and crispy.
4. Add fried Veppampoo to the hot Rice and mix well.

Crunchy Veppampoo Rice is Ready.

Kids can also enjoy this as the bitterness goes away when its fried well in ghee.

Note: -
To be eaten hot or immediately after mixing.