Kobbari Annam is a traditional South Indian dish prepared with freshly grated coconut, cooked rice, and aromatic tempering.It is considered a satvik dish — usually made without onion and garlic — making it ideal for festive occasions like Varalakshmi Vratam, Vinayaka Chavithi, Ugadi, and Navratri.
Coconut, being a symbol of purity and prosperity, is often used in offerings to deities, hence its importance in temple prasadam.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients :
- Cooked rice – 3 cups (preferably slightly cooled, made with sona masoori or ponni rice)
- Fresh grated coconut – 1 cup (tightly packed)
- Salt – to taste
Tempering:
- Oil – 2 tbsp (or a mix of oil and ghee for richer taste)
- Mustard seeds – ½ tsp
- Cumin seeds – ½ tsp
- Chana dal – 1 tsp
- Urad dal – 1 tsp
- Green chillies – 3–4 (slit)
- Dry red chillies – 1–2
- Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
- Curry leaves – few
Preparation Steps
-
Cook Rice:
- Prepare rice so that grains remain separate. Spread on a plate to cool slightly.
-
Prepare Coconut:
- Grate fresh coconut. Use only the white part (avoid the brown skin for better taste and texture).
-
Make Tempering:
- Heat oil (or oil + ghee) in a wide pan.
- Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
- Add cumin seeds, chana dal, urad dal, and fry till golden.
- Add green chillies, dry red chillies, hing, and curry leaves. Saute for a few seconds.
-
Add Coconut:
- Lower the flame and add grated coconut.
- Saute for 1–2 minutes until aromatic but not brown.
-
Mix Rice:
- Add cooked rice and salt.
- Gently mix so the rice is coated with coconut and tempering.
- Heat for another 2–3 minutes on low flame.
-
Serve:
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Ideal for festivals, lunchboxes, or prasadam.
Tips
- Use freshly grated coconut instead of frozen for authentic flavor.
- Avoid over-roasting coconut — it should remain white for a pleasant look and taste.
- A touch of ghee in tempering enhances aroma, especially for prasadam.
- Always use cooled rice to prevent mushiness.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Healthy Fats – Fresh coconut contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are quickly converted into energy and support brain function.
- Good Source of Dietary Fiber – Helps in digestion, supports gut health, and promotes regular bowel movements.
- Packed with Essential Minerals – Provides potassium, manganese, and copper, which aid in heart health, metabolism, and bone strength.
- Natural Cooling Effect – In Ayurveda, coconut is considered a cooling ingredient, perfect for balancing body heat in summer.
- Gluten-Free & Satvik – Made without onion or garlic, suitable for fasting, poojas, and special diets.
- Easily Digestible – Light on the stomach, making it suitable for people of all ages, including children and elders.