Pepper Rice is a simple, aromatic South Indian dish in which cooked rice is combined with freshly ground black pepper and traditional spices to create a comforting and flavorful meal. For a Whole-Food Plant-Based (WFPB) preparation, Pepper Rice can be made completely oil-free, without ghee, butter or dairy, using only whole plant ingredients. Instead of sautéing spices in oil, the spices can be dry-roasted in a pan or cooked with a small amount of water or vegetable broth, allowing the natural flavors and aromas to develop without added fat. Freshly ground black pepper is the star ingredient, providing a warm, slightly spicy flavor and containing piperine, a natural plant compound with antioxidant properties. Rice provides carbohydrates for energy, while choosing brown rice or another intact whole grain can increase the fiber content and help make the meal more filling. The dish can be further enhanced with vegetables, curry leaves, ginger, garlic, lentils, peas or other whole plant foods, making it more nutrient-dense and satisfying. The oil-free WFPB approach keeps the recipe simple and minimizes added fats while allowing the natural flavors of pepper and spices to shine. This makes Pepper Rice an excellent option for anyone looking for a wholesome, comforting, plant-based meal that is easy to prepare and full of traditional flavor. As with any dish, its overall nutritional value depends on the ingredients and portion size, but an oil-free WFPB Pepper Rice can be a delicious way to enjoy a satisfying meal made entirely from minimally processed plant foods.

Ingredients
1 cup cooked fragrant rice (Basmati or Gobindobhog/Seeraga Samba)
1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera, jeeragam)
1 tsp black pepper corns
1 tsp Bengal gram (chana dal, kadalai parupu)
A few cashew nuts
1 sprig curry leaves
Unrefined salt to taste

Method
Roast the cumin seeds and pepper corns till aromatic
Remove to a plate and cool
Grind to a coarse powder
Set aside
In a large wok, add Bengal gram, cashews salt and curry leaves
Roast till the lentil turns a golden colour
Add the cooked rice, wpepperwk powder
Mix gently to combine all the ingredients
Serve warm with