Groundnut, Coconut or Sesame Oil: Which Cold Pressed Oil for Which Dish?

In most South Indian kitchens you will find more than one oil. Groundnut oil, sesame oil and coconut oil each have their own taste and their own place in traditional cooking. Here is a simple guide to help you pick the right cold pressed oil for each dish.

Groundnut oil (kadalai ennai)

Groundnut oil, also called peanut oil, is the everyday cooking oil in many Tamil Nadu homes. It has a mild, nutty taste that does not overpower food.

Best for: daily cooking such as poriyal, kootu and sambar tadka; deep frying vadai, bajji, murukku and chips; and festive sweets and snacks.

Tip: Cold pressed groundnut oil has a natural groundnut aroma, so fried snacks taste closer to the homemade versions you remember.

Sesame oil (gingelly oil / nallennai)

Sesame oil has a rich, deep flavour and is used in many traditional Tamil dishes. The name nallennai literally means "good oil".

Best for: kara kuzhambu, vatha kuzhambu and puli kuzhambu; mango, lemon and other pickles; mixing with idli podi; and traditional oil baths (ennai kuliyal).

Tip: A spoon of cold pressed sesame oil on hot idli podi is one of the simplest ways to taste the difference.

Coconut oil (thengai ennai)

Coconut oil has a light, sweet coconut aroma. It is the main cooking oil in Kerala and is common in many South Indian homes.

Best for: avial, thoran, olan and Kerala-style curries; coconut-based chutneys and snacks; and hair oil and skin care.

Tip: Cold pressed coconut oil turns solid when the weather is cool. This is natural. Just keep the bottle in warm water for a few minutes to melt it.

Should you use one oil or all three?

Many families use more than one oil. A common pattern is groundnut oil for daily cooking and frying, sesame oil for kuzhambu, pickles and podi, and coconut oil for Kerala dishes and hair care. Using the right oil for each dish brings out the traditional taste of the recipe.

Try all three with the Aavrin trio combo

Not sure where to start? The Aavrin trio combo gives you cold pressed groundnut, coconut and sesame oil together, so you can try each one in your own kitchen. All Aavrin oils are cold pressed at our mill in Coimbatore with no chemical refining, added chemicals or preservatives, and every order ships free across India.