Black Rice – Karuppu Kavuni Arisi: Traditional Recipes from South India

Black Rice, or Karuppu Kavuni Arisi, is a traditional rice variety known for its deep purple-black colour and nutty flavour. Often called "forbidden rice" because of its historical association with Chinese royalty, this ancient grain has found its way into South Indian kitchens, especially in Tamil Nadu and the Chettinad region.

Let's look at what makes Karuppu Kavuni Arisi special and a list of traditional and modern South Indian recipes you can make with it.

What is Karuppu Kavuni Arisi?

• Colour: the grains are deep purple-black, and dishes made with them turn a rich purple.
• Flavour: mildly nutty and earthy, a little different from everyday white rice.
• Texture: slightly chewy when cooked whole, and smooth when ground for kanji or puttu.
• Tradition: long cooked in Tamil homes for festival sweets, kanji and special-occasion dishes.

Recipes Using Karuppu Kavuni Arisi

Here's a list of South Indian recipes to bring this traditional rice into your kitchen:

1. Karuppu Kavuni Sweet Pongal

• A festive twist on the classic Pongal, made with black rice, jaggery, cardamom and ghee. Perfect for festivals like Pongal or Krishna Jayanthi.

2. Black Rice Idli/Dosa

• Soak black rice with urad dal and fenugreek seeds to make soft idlis or crispy dosas with a lovely purple colour.

3. Karuppu Kavuni Kanji

• A warm, smooth kanji made from Karuppu Kavuni Arisi – an easy breakfast or light dinner. Annam's Recipes Karuppu Kavuni Rice Kanji is a ready mix of black rice, raw rice, moong dal, pepper and cumin that helps you make it quickly.

4. Black Rice Upma

• A savoury breakfast with tempered mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies and vegetables.

5. Karuppu Kavuni Rice Salad

• Combine cooked black rice with fresh vegetables, grated coconut and a squeeze of lime for a refreshing salad.

6. Black Rice Kuzhambu

• A unique preparation where black rice is cooked with tamarind and spices for a rich, deep-coloured kuzhambu.

7. Karuppu Kavuni Puttu

• A steamed delicacy made with black rice flour, grated coconut and jaggery – a lovely snack or breakfast.

How to Make Karuppu Kavuni Arisi Kanji

1. Mix 2 tablespoons of Annam's Recipes Karuppu Kavuni Rice Kanji Mix with ½ cup of water into a smooth paste.
2. Add 1½ cups more water and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.
3. Cook until smooth and porridge-like, adjusting the water to the thickness you like.
4. Add salt, or cool and stir in buttermilk. Serve with pickle or thogayal.

Buy Karuppu Kavuni Rice Kanji Mix

Shop Annam's Recipes Karuppu Kavuni Rice Kanji · also try our Kollu & Karuppu Kavuni Kanji Combo and 5 in 1 Kanji Pack.