Maharashtrian masala bhaat is a popular recipe in the state of Maharashtra, India. As the name suggests, this dish is prepared using Jashn basmati rice, fragrant spices, and other ingredients.
This traditional recipe is always considered a complete meal as it doesn’t require you to relish it with a side dish. As it’s a one-pot recipe, preparing it is also not challenging. You can prepare this recipe the way you like and serve it with your choice of side dishes like curries, yogurt, salad, or raita.
You can enjoy Maharashtrian masala bhat for lunch or dinner. The flavorful rice is sure to treat your taste buds on any given day.
Here is how to make Maharashtrian masala bhat/bhaat at home:
Ingredients you require:
- Oil/ghee
- Cumin seeds
- Hing/asafoetida
- Diced onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Mixed vegetables
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Salt to taste
- Red chilli powder
- Turmeric powder
- Coriander powder
- Desiccated coconut powder
- Cooked basmati rice/leftover rice
- Water
- Garam masala
- Coriander leaves
Cooking Instructions for Maharashtrian masala bhaat:
- Take a wok or pan and heat oil/ghee in it.
- Once the ghee/oil is heated, add cumin seeds and let them splutter. Make sure you set the flame low to avoid burning).
- Add asafoetida along with diced onions. Sauté the onion until it turns golden brown.
- Now, add ginger-garlic paste to the onions and sauté it. Keep sautéing until the ginger-garlic paste loses its natural fragrance.
- Once done, add diced tomatoes and sauté until tender.
- Add mixed veggies, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste.
- Sauté the vegetables and let them cook for a few minutes.
- Add desiccated coconut powder to the vegetables and mix well. Once done, add the soaked basmati rice and mix everything well.
- Add the required water, cover the lid, and let it cook for a few minutes.
- Check the rice. If it is fluffy and no water is left, add desiccated coconut powder and garam masala.
- Sauté and garnish with coriander leaves.
- Your delicious Maharashtrian masala bhaat is ready to be served!
Tips:
- You can use either freshly cooked basmati rice or leftover rice to prepare Maharashtrian masala bhaat.
- Choose any vegetables you like as there are no hard and fast rules.
- Adjust the spiciness to your liking.