A small, short-grained aromatic rice cultivated in the Cauvery delta of Tamil Nadu. The tiny grains, named for their resemblance to cumin seeds, absorb spice and stock intensely, making it the preferred rice for authentic Chettinad biryani.
Where it comes from
Cultivated in the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu, India.
In the kitchen
The defining rice of Chettinad biryani; also used in festive pulao and layered rice dishes.