Which Oil for Which Tamil Dish? Groundnut, Sesame (Nallennai) or Coconut

Tamil cooking does not use just one oil. The same kitchen may use groundnut oil for a potato fry, sesame oil for puli kuzhambu and coconut oil for avial. Here is a simple guide to which oil goes with which dish, based on how Tamil homes have cooked for generations.

Which oil is used most in Tamil cooking?

Groundnut oil (kadalai ennai) is the everyday oil in most Tamil Nadu homes, used for tempering, poriyal and frying. Sesame oil (nallennai) and coconut oil (thengai ennai) are used for particular dishes where their taste matters.

Many families keep all three oils in the kitchen. The choice is mostly about flavour and tradition. Your region and your family's habits matter too, so treat the table below as a starting point, not a rule.

Which oil should I use for which Tamil dish?

Use groundnut oil for frying and everyday cooking, sesame oil for podi, kuzhambu and pickles, and coconut oil for avial and coconut-based dishes. This table shows common choices.

When should I use groundnut oil (kadalai ennai)?

Use groundnut oil for daily cooking, tempering and frying. It has a mild, nutty taste that goes well with almost every Tamil dish.

Groundnut oil is the go-to for vadai, bajji, murukku and chips. Chettyz cold pressed groundnut oil is pressed from sun-dried native groundnuts, so it keeps the familiar nutty aroma. Our own tapioca chips are made in groundnut oil too.

When should I use sesame oil (nallennai or gingelly oil)?

Use sesame oil when you want its rich, strong aroma: with idli podi, in puli kuzhambu, in puliyodharai and in pickles. Nallennai and gingelly oil are both names for sesame oil.

A spoon of nallennai mixed into idli podi is one of the simplest pleasures of a Tamil breakfast. Chettyz cold pressed sesame oil is pressed from sun-dried black sesame seeds. For more podi ideas, see 7 easy ways to use idli podi.

When should I use coconut oil (thengai ennai)?

Use coconut oil for dishes where you enjoy a coconut flavour, such as avial, kootu, poriyal with grated coconut and coconut-based curries. It is used a lot in Kanyakumari and in Kerala-style cooking.

Chettyz cold pressed coconut oil is pressed from sun-dried copra (dried coconut). It is different from virgin coconut oil, which is made from fresh coconut. Coconut oil turns solid in cool weather; this is normal, and it melts again when warm.

Can I use one oil for everything?

You can, but most Tamil cooks find that each dish tastes "right" with its usual oil. Puli kuzhambu made with sesame oil and avial finished with coconut oil taste the way many of us remember from home.

If you want to keep things simple, start with groundnut oil for daily cooking and a smaller bottle of sesame oil for podi and kuzhambu. Add coconut oil when you cook coconut-based dishes.

Should I choose cold pressed or refined oil for Tamil cooking?

That is your choice, but traditional Tamil recipes were made with chekku oils, which carry the natural taste of the seed. Refined oils are bleached and deodorised, so they have very little flavour.

If you want to know how the two are made, read what is chekku oil. For sweets, try nattu sakkarai, and to pick a good bottle of oil, use our cold pressed oil buyer's checklist.

How do I store three different cooking oils?

Keep every bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and stove heat. Use a dry spoon or ladle, and do not let water get in.

Chettyz oils are prepared fresh, so check the best-before date on the pack and use the oil within that time.

Quick answers

Which oil is best for idli podi?

Sesame oil (nallennai) is the traditional choice for idli podi. Ghee is a popular alternative.

Which oil is used for deep frying in Tamil Nadu?

Groundnut oil is the most common choice for deep frying vadai, bajji, murukku and chips in Tamil homes.

Is gingelly oil the same as sesame oil?

Yes. Gingelly oil, sesame oil and nallennai are all names for the same oil, made from sesame seeds.

Which oil is used for avial?

Coconut oil. A little raw coconut oil is usually poured over avial at the end for its aroma.

Shop all three Chettyz cold pressed oils – free shipping on orders above ₹499.