Arisiyum paruppu saadham(Kongu special)

This dish is fav of almost everyone from the kongu region. There are many variations to it. Today I'm posting the basic recipe. there r such fans for this dish that it's called kongu biriyani coz we ppl can eat this for all 3 meals & we never complain even if it's done 2-3 times a week. This is one quick, easy,healthy,tasty dish.

Arisiyum paruppu saadham(Kongu special):

1 1/2 cup rice(ponni rice aka pulungal arisi)
1/2 cup thoor dhal
1 big onion(cut lengthwise) or 25 baby onions cut into 2 crosswise
10 cloves china garlic cut into 2 crosswise
Dry red chillies or green chillies or both- I use red chillies only
Seasoning:
1/4 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 tsp jeera
curry leaves
turmeric pwd
kongu spl masala powder(sambar powder might be a good substitute I guess)
Salt

1.Soak rice & dhal for 15 mins)

2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker. Add 1/4 tsp mustard seeds,let it splutter. Add 1/2 tsp jeera,curry leaves, chillies. fry for 10 secs.

3. Add the onions, garlic. mix well & fry for just about a minute just until the onions start to turn a lil transparent. no need of frying it for long.

4. Add in turmeric pwd & the kongu spl masala powder. mix well & imme add in the rice,dhal & enough water(abt 5 cups).Add salt & let it start to boil. Check the taste & adjust the masala pwd and salt.

5. Close the cooker & cook for 3 whistles. Let the steam release & then open the cooker and mix the rice gently but well.

We usually have 2 course with this rice.

First course - steaming Arisiyum paruppu saadham with coconut oil or ghee. I prefer coconut oil.
Second course- Arisiyum paruppu saadham with curd.

Accompaniments:
Appalam
Pickle
brinjal+potato poriyal(traditional combo with Arisiyum paruppu saadham)
Arthi's stuffed brinjals went well with these.

A salad made of finely chopped onions(1 big)+tomatoes(1/3 medium)+cori.leaves+salt+kongu masala pwd. Crush & mix it using ur hands.

Variations:
a variation to the thanni thaalicha sadam is adding sombu & pattai to the seasoning.

For arisiyum paruppu, u can add tamarind juice, potatoes & brinjal while adding teh rice & dhal. That's another tasty variation. I sometimes add carrot,beans,peas & potatoes. & for a healthier version the tamarind veg arisiyum paruppu can be made using broken wheat(wheat rice)

U can also add slightly tender coconut cut into small pieces while adding the rice.