Kunda’s delicous Masala Bhath (rice)

I apologise in advance if this recipe is a bit rambling. In my defence I have spent most of the afternoon watching two back-to-back Hindi movies and my brains are mush. When I close my eyes to focus on ingredients I see lurching alpine scenery set to romantic Hindi music instead.

All this is a bit unfair on the recipe I want to present today as it is one of my favourite rice dishes from my mum’s kitchen. Masala Bhath or masala flavoured rice is typical of the part of India that we come from – the Western region (and obviously the more intellectually developed part, as my mother is quick to point out). It is a must at weddings but is also prepared at home and eaten wtih dal and yoghurt.

Kunda’s delicious Masala Bhath

Serves 4
Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 20 minutes
Total time 35 minutes
Masala Bhath or masala flavoured rice is typical of the part of India that we come from - the Western region . It is a must at weddings but is also prepared at home and eaten wtih dal and yoghurt.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice (wash the rice about 15 minutes before cooking until the starch disappears)
  • 2 small onions (cut lengthwise into slices)
  • 2 small potatoes (cut lengthwise into slices)
  • 1/2 Tsp.. turmeric
  • 1/2 Tsp chill powder
  • 1 Tsp. garam masala powder
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 piece cinnamon
  • 2 Tbs. oil (although if you get your hands on ghee this is much better)
  • 1 whole green chilli

Note

Kunda's tip is to put in sliced aubergine and cauliflower if you want to jazz the dish up. Also garnish with fresh scraped coconut and/or coriander.

Directions

Step 1
Heat the oil/ghee in a pan and put in the cloves and the cinnamon
Step 2
When they start to sizzle, put in the onions and the chilli and fry till the onions are soft and brown
Step 3
Put in the washed rice and stir the mixture around a little bit
Step 4
Add the turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, and salt and stir until mixed with the rice and the onions
Step 5
Add the potatoes and stir
Step 6
Put in exactly 4 cupfuls of water and stir
Step 7
Wait until the water boils and then put the gas on simmer and cover the pan
Step 8
Stir occassionally to ensure that the rice doesn't stick to the bottom
Step 9
Your dish is ready when all the water evaporates
Step 10
Eat with dal and yogurt. Yum!