Neem tree is an akshayapatram (inexhaustible vessel err tree) of medicines. We use both tender and matured neem leaves, neem flowers and neem seeds for oil. According to discoverneem.com “About 75% of Ayurveda remedies contain some form of neem! Indians call the sacred neem tree “the village pharmacy”, and have limitless faith in its abilities.” I totally agree that neem tree is sure the village pharmacy. I grew up eating tender neem leaves and they kill the germs in the stomach. Tender neem branches are used as tooth brushes. They grind neem leaves and apply as face mask and for hair also. Neem oil is the best coolant and relieves stomach ache. For Ugadi we use the fresh neem flowers for the pachadi. I can keep adding stuffs to this list.
Now coming to today’s recipe – vepampoo Sadam or Dried Neem flower rice is quick home remedy for stomach disorders. Neem flowers are known for its digestive properties. I always have them in handy and this time I got two big packs of dried neem flowers from India. The best part is they have longer shelf life and the dried flowers are not perishable.
If you are preparing this as a remedy, ignore the mor milagai / Dried chillies. It just adds additional flavor to the recipe. Also you can add cumin seeds for tadka instead of urad dhal and channa dhal. The cooked rice to dried neem flower ratio is 1:1 tbsp
Ingredients:
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups
- Ghee / Oil – 2 tsps
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Urad Dal – 1 tsp
- Channa Dal – 1 tsp
- Hing – ½ tsp
- Curry leaves – 1 strand
- Mor Milagai / Dried Green chillies – 3-4 (as per your taste)
- Dried Neem Flowers – 4 tbsps
- Salt – 1 tsp (adjust according to your taste)
Steps:
- Heat the pan and add the ghee or oil.
- Once the oil is hot add the mustard seeds, urad dhal and channa dhal.
- As they start to splutter add the hing and curry leaves. Saute for couple of minutes.
- Now add the dried neem leaves and the dried green chillies. Fry them for couple of minutes.
- Once they turn brown turn off the heat.
- Let it cool and add the rice and salt.
- Mix them well and thats it. Vempampoo Sadam is ready.
📖 Recipe
Vepampoo Sadam / Dried Neem Flowers Rice
Ingredients
- Cooked Rice: 4 cups
- Ghee / Oil – 2 tsps
- Mustard seeds – 1 tsp
- Urad Dhal - 1 tsp
- Channa Dhal - 1 tsp
- Hing - 1 tsp
- Curry leaves - 1 strand
- Mor Milagai / Dried Green chillies - 3-4 as per your taste
- Dried Neem Flowers - 4 tbsps
- Salt - 1 tsp adjust according to your taste
Instructions
- Heat the pan and add the ghee or oil.
- Once the oil is hot add the mustard seeds, urad dhal and channa dhal.
- As they start to splutter add the hing and curry leaves. Saute for couple of minutes.
- Now add the dried neem leaves and the dried green chillies. Fry them for couple of minutes.
- Once they turn brown turn off the heat.
- Let it cool and add the rice and salt.
- Mix them well and thats it. Vempampoo Sadam is ready.
I am not a nutritionist. The nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It varies depending upon the product types or brands.
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Wow ,very unique recipe.Never heard of neem flowers in cooking.Nice
Wow, super interesting rice.. Wat a healthy rice.
This reminds me of my childhood. My mum used to make it all the time! Your dish looks just like hers.
Oh glad it bought back some good old memories. Thanks a lot.
Never heard of this rice Vidhya, sounds interesting !
Its a common home remedy.. Neem has lot of medicinal values.
A very healthy recipe Sri! Makes me think, I dont use a lot of Indian medicinal herbs in cooking. You are inspiring me to change that :)
Oh Thanks GB.. You know what.. I should only thank my native for this. All those home remedies were part and parcel of day to day cooking. I didn’t realize the goodness of these when I was in India. After coming to US especially after the kiddo was born I started to rely on these home meds a lot. Here doctors doesn’t prescribe antibiotics right away which is in a way good. So if its normal flu, cold, stomach upset I first go for these meds and then if things doesn’t work out goto doc.
Very interesting rice dish, not to mention how healthy!
This is one healthy dish. We don’t really cook with neem flowers and this is interesting version.
This is something new to me. Looks so good and YUM!
Neem is really a nature’s gift to mankind if only we know how to use it to the maximum.I’m sure this simple and healthy recipe will help many.