Kalkandu Sadam Recipe

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An Introduction to Kalkandu Sadham Recipe 

Kalkandu Sadam is yet another classic dish from the authentic Indian cuisine which is also well known for rice based sweet delicacies like kheer, pongal, bath and puddings that are quite primitive and dates back to several hundred years.

Topics Included:

* Interesting facts about Kalkandu Sadam

*Ingredients & Directions

* Make Ahead Tips

* Nutritional Value

* Recipe Excerpt

Let us look into the importance of the key ingredients used in Kalkandu sadam:-

What is Kalkandu Sadam actually?

Kalkandu Sadam is a rice based sweet delight with rock candy as its chief ingredient and with cardamom, nutmeg and saffron as garnishing agents. While most of the Indian sweet dishes are mixtures of rice and lentil, this unique recipe is made of rice exclusively. With the raw rice being boiled in rich whole milk, it is further made exotic with the addition of rock candy and reaches its zenith while garnished with astounding aromatic agents like cardamom and nutmeg. Spruced up with the flavor of saffron and ghee this kalkandu Sadam would certainly elevate your party menu a notch higher. It is a fantastic delicacy that melts in your mouth and it tastes nothing less than heaven.

What is so special about Rock Candy?

Rock Candy popularly called as Kalkandu is a much underrated sweetening ingredient although it is an indispensable element in the Indian cooking or rather Indian culture to say precisely, as it has been used in every aspect of life. Apart from using it in the regular cooking, it is also used as a mouth refresher widely and an essential product in any auspicious occasion. It is one of the simple and common offering being offered to Gods at temples and as well as at home. It is also one of the ancient products which has been used in the Indian cuisine and rock candy based delicacies are popular in states like Delhi, Punjab, Orissa, Rajasthan, Uttar pradesh, Andhra pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Most popularly called as Mishri, this rock candy has surprising therapeutic properties which many of us may not be aware of.  Let us make a quick glance into some of its basic benefits. It acts as an instant energy booster and it is a power house of various nutrients required for our body. Besides aiding in proper digestion, it also helps to lose weight when taken along with fennel seeds or coriander seeds and till now we can see this practice at homes and as well as at restaurants in India widely. Scientifically, it has been proved that it cures anemia and improves hemoglobin levels in our body and considered as one of the key ingredients in Ayurveda. Moreover, it gives relief from common ailments like cold, cough and sore throat besides being a good remedy for diarrhea. Above all, it reduces stress and anxiety, and induces sleep when taken with warm milk.

What are the benefits of Nutmeg?

Nutmeg is another exceptional ingredient, which everyone of us should be familiar with. It has been widely used in ancient cooking and medicine in India that takes us aback with its long primeval history. Our ancestors were brilliant enough in knowing about the benefits, its nuances, its usage and accuracy and were keen on incorporating this special condiment in the dishes they prepared regularly. They were also knowledgeable about using it as a home remedy to cure common ailments. History takes us aback with the prevalence of nutmeg since ages, both as a culinary ingredient and as well as a therapeutic agent in ancient India. Our forefathers' expertise in the usage of nutmeg is astonishing and the nuance with which they handled this aromatic spice is awe inspiring. Its medicinal benefits are astounding and innumerable and till date it is one of the indispensable ingredient at most of the Indian households that comes ready at hand both as a flavor enhancer and as a home remedy. To mention a few, it is a great source of antioxidants and has anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties besides being rich on fiber. It promotes dental health and could manage mood swings and therefore acts as an excellent anti-depressant. It helps in keeping blood sugar levels under control besides protecting the heart health. To conclude, it is one of the supreme beautifying agent as it has anti aging properties too. It reduces hyper pigmentation and delays the process of aging. Owing to its rich magnesium, copper and manganese content this nutmeg has some phenomenal beauty benefits to rely on. All we need to know is how to use this spice diligently in our day today life and pass it on to the next generation.

What is so special about saffron?

Saffron is one of the expensive herb used in cooking in all the cuisines  since several centuries and much adored by the Indian kings, monks and traders for its richness and  grandeur. All of us may be aware of its potential health benefits and beautifying properties. Let us see some of the less known facts of saffron which is all the more interesting to hear about. It has a chemical compound named crocin which dissolves well in water at any temperature. That is why, soaking up of saffron strands overnight in either cold or warm water gives a tasty concoction that has a shimmery gold finish with a mild sweet taste and a herbage aroma. Saffron gives a richer flavor and deeper color when boiled in milk and therefore milk and saffron based Indian delicacies are exemplary and famous across the globe. Researches say that India has been one of the highest consumers and as well as exporters of aromatic spices including this elegant spice saffron.

This seemingly simple Kalkandu sadam has incorporated all these ambrosial ingredients to make it phenomenal of its own kind. Here comes the recipe of exotic Kalkandu Sadam which is sure to give you an enthralling experience.

Ingredients Required To Make Kalakandu sadham Recipe :

How To Make Kalkandu Sadham Recipe 

Some Useful Observations:

* Any variety of raw rice is suitable to make kalkandu bath and ponni raw rice is much preferred to make this dish.

* We boil the rice in rich whole milk for flavor and richness and it gives the best result especially when we prepare delicacies like Kalkandu bath and Akkaravadisal.

* Either rock candy or cryatalized diamond kalkandu can be used to make this kalkandu bath and both taste similar.

* Nutmeg is used here as a flavor enhancer and in case if you do not like its aroma, you may skip it. But I would personally suggest you to add a little bit of nutmeg for a perfect traditional finish and to get its therapeutic benefits.

* In some versions, they include one or two cloves for added flavor and similarly inclusion or exclusion of saffron is also optional. While you add saffron the kalkandu bath tend to change its color from pearly white to pale yellow which is again an added attraction.

* Adding up of raisins is also optional and if you want the flavor of sugar candy to predominate, be minimal about the usage of dried fruits and flavor enhancers.

* Unlike other sweet delicacies, this kalkandu Bath may not require much of ghee. Just two or three tablespoons will be sufficient to get a perfect finish.