Masala rice is an easy lunch box recipe that can be made in minutes. It has the aroma and flavour of fennel seeds that is not only helpful in digestion but also a light, hearty and satisfying meal all by itself. Masala rice is Amma's yet another signature dish. I have no clue where she learnt it from but all I can say is that she makes it taste like the best thing in the world :) :) You can make a side dish of your choice or just enjoy it with raitha. So here we go.. :)
Ingredients
Basmati Rice, washed and soaked 2 cups Onion 1 Tomato 1 Bay leaves 2 Frozen peas ½ cup
To be ground into a paste
Fennel seeds 1 tbsp Cilantro/ coriander leaves ½ cup Onion 1 Green chilli 8 Fresh/ frozen coconut 1 ½ tbsp Dhaniya powder 1 tsp Garlic (optional) 2 pods Turmeric 1 tsp Ginger ½ inch Cinnamon ½ inch Clove 2 Eilichi 2
Directions
1. Grind the ingredients under 'to be ground into paste' and keep aside.
2. In a pan, heat oil and add bay leaves , onions and saute until translucent then add tomato and fry until it turns mushy. Now add the soaked basmati rice and mix it stirring in green peas.
3.Add the ground paste, salt and give it a stir. Transfer the contents to an electric cooker and add 2 cups of water. Once it's done, enjoy it hot with raitha of your choice.
Note
- If you're using a pressure cooker, please make sure you add less water as it tends to turn soggy and muddled.
- You can add the veggie of your choice like french, beans and carrot or just make it plain and simple with onion and tomato.
- Make sure you dry fry or heat the coconut before you use it. This prevents the rice from spoiling it.