Kalkandu Sadam
Veg
Contains dairy
Kalkandu Sadam, or sugar candy rice, is a sweet rice dish prepared with rice, milk, and sugar candy. Often served during festivals, it offers a delightful, creamy sweetness, making it a favorite dessert in Tamil Nadu.
Cuisines
Madras
Best for
Dessert
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 1 cup | raw rice |
| 1 cup | kalkandu (rock sugar) |
| 3 cups | milk |
| 2 tablespoons | ghee |
| 10 | cashew nuts |
| 10 | raisins |
| 1/4 teaspoon | cardamom powder |
| 1 pinch | saffron strands |
| — | water as needed |
Instructions
- 1 Wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 20 minutes.
- 2 Drain the rice and add it to a pressure cooker with 1 cup of water and 3 cups of milk.
- 3 Cook the rice on medium heat for 3 whistles or until the rice is soft and well-cooked.
- 4 Once the pressure releases, open the cooker and mash the rice gently.
- 5 Add the kalkandu (rock sugar) to the cooked rice and mix well until it dissolves completely.
- 6 In a small pan, heat ghee and fry the cashew nuts until golden brown, then add the raisins and fry until they puff up.
- 7 Add the fried cashews and raisins to the rice mixture.
- 8 Sprinkle cardamom powder and saffron strands over the rice and mix gently.
- 9 Cook the mixture on low heat for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thick, pudding-like consistency.
Tips
For a richer taste, use full-fat milk and adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of kalkandu.