Home made Masala Rice

A delightful recipe for “Flavorful Masala Rice with Mixed Vegetables and Crunchy Groundnuts” recipe. This one-pot meal combines the goodness of basmati rice, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and the nutty richness of roasted groundnuts (peanuts). Let’s dive into the kitchen and create a burst of flavors that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 1 cup Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, etc.), chopped (I added only fine chopped carrots)
• 1 medium-sized Onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium-sized Tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
• 2 Green chilies, slit (adjust to your spice preference)
• Small quantity of Whole spices (cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon) for tempering
• 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Garam masala (or your preferred spice mix)
• Red chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• A handful of fresh Coriander leaves, chopped (I didn’t have any)
• 2 tablespoons Oil or ghee
• 2 cups Water or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup Whole groundnuts (peanuts), roasted and skin removed

Procedure:

1. Begin by roasting the whole groundnuts (peanuts) in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir them continuously until they become slightly golden and a delightful nutty aroma takes over your kitchen
2. Once roasted, remove the skin by rubbing the peanuts between your palms, allowing the skin to peel off easily. Set the roasted and peeled groundnuts aside for later use
3. Next, rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 20 minutes before cooking. This step helps in achieving fluffy and perfectly cooked rice
4. In a large pan or pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the whole spices, including cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Let them sizzle
5. Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté them until they turn translucent
6. Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and the slit green chilies, allowing the flavors to mingle and infuse into the base of the dish
7. Now, add the mixed vegetables to the pan. Feel free to choose your favorite vegetables such as carrots, peas, beans, or any seasonal variety you desire. Sauté the vegetables until they begin to soften, adding a burst of colors to your masala rice
8. It’s time to bring in the chopped tomatoes. Cook them alongside the vegetables, letting their juices blend in with the other ingredients, creating a luscious and rich base for our masala rice
9. Sprinkle the ground spices over the vegetable mixture – turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and a touch of red chili powder if you prefer some pungent taste. Stir well to ensure the spices coat the vegetables evenly
10. Drain the soaked basmati rice and gently add it to the pan. Stir it delicately to ensure every grain is coated with the flavorful spice mix, vegetables, and aromatic base
11. Pour in the water or vegetable broth, season with salt to your taste preference, and give it a gentle stir
12. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, ensuring a gentle simmer. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook undisturbed for about 15-20 minutes. The rice will absorb the flavors and cook to perfection, with the vegetables becoming tender and aromatic
13. As the rice cooks, the aroma will fill your kitchen
14. Once the rice is fully cooked and the water has been absorbed, turn off the heat and let the masala rice rest for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to further meld
15. Finally, add the roasted and peeled groundnuts (peanuts) to the rice, sprinkling a crunchy surprise amidst the softness of the vegetables and rice. Gently mix them in to ensure they are well-distributed throughout the dish
16. Garnish the ready to serve masala rice with freshly chopped coriander leaves, adding a touch of freshness

And finally, voila!

With its aromatic blend of spices, colorful mixed vegetables, and the delightful addition of roasted groundnuts, this Masala Rice recipe is a true celebration of flavors. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the magical journey of taste and texture with each spoonful of this Flavorful Masala Rice with Mixed Vegetables and Crunchy Groundnuts!