Masala Bhaat

This is a Maharashtrian delicacy. No Maharashtrian occasion is complete without Masala Bhaat. I had this at a function and liked it. So tried it at home... recipe courtesy Tarladalal.com(of course tweaked a little). But the rice came out really tasty and this being a one pot meal(which I am a huge fan) loved making it. Great for lunch and ideal if you have guests coming over. Tastes yum if served with raita because it balances the spice. So here is the recipe... Happy Cooking :-)

Ingredients:

Rice - 1 cup ( I used basmati rice ) 
Peas - 1/2 cup ( I used frozen)
Potato - 1
Ivy gourd or Gherkins/Tendli/Dondakai/Kovaikai - 1/2 cup(sliced)
Onion - 1
Shahjeera - 1 tbsp
Star Anise - 1 tsp
Green Chillies - 2-3
Ginger - 1 tblspn chopped finely
Garlic - 6 cloves chopped finely
Turmeric powder - 1 tsp
Chilli powder - 1 tsp
Goda masala - 1 tbsp( or can use Garam masala)
Oil - 2 tbsp
Water as required
Salt to taste

For the Masala

Cumin seeds - 1 tbsp
Coriander seeds - 1 tbsp( I used powder)
Black peppercorns - 1 tbsp
Cloves - 6-8
Cardamom - 1
Dry red chillies - 2
Coriander leaves  for garnishing 

Method:

    

Combine the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves,cardamom, dry red chillies and peppercorns in a broad  pan and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.

Remove from the flame and blend in a mixer to a smooth powder. Keep aside.

Heat the oil in a pan and temper shah jeera and star anise.

As it splutters add slit chillies and onion. Sauté till the onions turn translucent.

Add grated ginger and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes.

Add the vegetables and saute well.

Add the turmeric powder,chilly powder,goda masala,salt and combine well.

Finally add the rice with required water. I added about 2 cups of water as I used basmati rice. Now add the ground spice powder, mix well and cook until done. 

Combine the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, cloves,cardamom, dry red chillies and peppercorns in a broad  pan and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.
Remove from the flame and blend in a mixer to a smooth powder. Keep aside.

Wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes.Drain and set aside.
Heat the oil in a pan and temper shah jeera and star anise.
As it splutters add slit chillies and onion. Sauté till the onions turn translucent.
Add grated ginger and garlic. Cook for about 2 minutes.
Add the vegetables and saute well.
Add the turmeric powder,chilly powder,goda masala,salt and combine well.
Finally add the rice with required water. I added about 2 cups of water as I used basmati rice. Now add the ground spice powder, mix well and cook until done. 
When the rice is done add the garnishing like coriander and serve hot.

Tips:

I used Ivy gourd, you can use cauliflower, carrots and any vegetable of you choice.
You can add fried cashewnuts as well.
If you cant find goda masala you can replace it with garam masala.
You can add dry coconut in the dry spice powder.

Sending this recipe to 
Nivedhanam - Healthy diet lunch box
Priyas healthy diet page


Sending this to WTML Event @  A day through my life & Gayathri's Cookspot 

Cooking with seeds, priya's page