Maharashtra Masala Bhat Spiced Rice Maharashtra Celebration

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice — soaked 15 minutes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables — potato cubed, green peas, carrot cubed
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 8 curry leaves
• 1/4 tsp asafoetida
• 1 tsp goda masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
• 2 cups water
• 2 tbsp freshly grated coconut
• 2 tbsp cashews — fried
• Fresh coriander
• Salt

Method

1. Add drained soaked rice. Toss gently with the vegetables and spiced oil.
2. Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a heavy pot. Add mustard seeds — pop.
3. Add asafoetida and curry leaves.
4. Add mixed vegetables. Toss. Add goda masala, turmeric and red chilli powder. Cook 2 minutes.
5. Add 2 cups water and salt. Bring to a boil. Stir once.
6. Reduce to lowest heat. Cover tightly. Cook 18 minutes.
7. Rest 5 minutes. Fluff gently.
8. Garnish with freshly grated coconut, fried cashews and fresh coriander.