Masala Bhaat

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Until few years back Masala bhaat (Masale bhaat in marathi) was inevitable part of Maharashtrian wedding.Though these days it is replaced by veg pulav,veg biryani or fried rice in almost every wedding, it is still cooked on many occasions in a Maharashtrian home.Even my home isn't an exception.I make this spicy one dish meal when I am lazy to cook a series of dishes and yet have a fulfilling meal.Its a no onion recipe and hence can be served even for a puja.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cup long grain raw rice
3 cups water
1/4 cup peas
1/4 cup potato chopped in 2"cubes
1/4 cup brinjal pieces
1/4 cup carrot or gherkins(tondli in Marathi)
2 tsp Maharashtrian goda masala
1 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp asafoetida
salt,sugar to taste
2 tbsp oil
2" cinnamon stick
3 cloves
2 bay leaves

Masala (Lightly roast all the items and grind)
1/4 cup dry coconut
4 red chilies
2 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds

For garnishing
chopped cilantro
Freshly shredded coconut
1 tsp ghee


Method


  • Wash rice and drain. Keep aside for 1/2 an hour.
  • Heat a heavy bottom pan. Heat oil and add the whole garam masala-cinnamon,bay leaf,and cloves. 
  • When all the masala ingredients sizzle, add turmeric powder and asafoetida. 
  • Add potato and chopped gherkins/carrot. Once soft, add peas and brinjal pieces and fry.
  • Next add the raw rice and keep stirring for some time on medium heat. 
  • Pour boiling water all over into the rice and vegetable mixture. Stir well.
  • Let the rice come to boil.Now turn down the heat to low and add the ground masala, goda masala, ghee, salt and sugar. Cover and cook. Rice is done when all the water evaporates. Garnish with coconut and cilantro. Top with ghee. Serve hot.

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