Masala Bhaat

This masala bhaat is a very simple yet flavorful dish to add to your repertoire. Bhaat is essentially a boiled rice dish eaten mostly in south India. Masala is a traditional Indian spice blend that includes a large number of herbs and spices, such as, salt, curry powder, chili powder, garlic, etc. This basically means you can think of masala bhaat as spicy rice porridge similar to congee. It is perfect for cold days or as a pick me up if you’re feeling sick.

Health Benefits

Masala is one of the most widely acknowledged and appreciated things that India has given the world. It is an amazing blend of spices, and each spice has its own series of health benefits. Although each spice has its own health benefits, together they create a unique set of health benefits:

• Helps with digestion
• Provides strong antioxidants
• Regulates blood pressure
• Improves heart health
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces cancer risk

Ingredients

oil: 1 tsp

coriander seeds: 1 tbsp

cumin: ½ tsp

sesame seeds: ½ tsp

anise: 1 star

poppy seeds: ¼ tsp

cardamom: 1 black

cinnamon stick: ½ inch

cloves: 5

dry coconut: 1 tbsp

black pepper: ¼ tsp

ghee: 1 tbsp

mustard: 1 tsp

cumin / jeera: ½ tsp

bay leaf: 1

pinch of hing: 1

onion – finely chopped: ½

green chilies – slit: 2

ginger-garlic paste: 1 tsp

tomato – finely chopped: 1

whole cashews: 15

mixed vegetables (peas, gobi, carrots, etc.): 1 cup

potato – cubed: 1

turmeric: ½ tsp

chilli powder: ½ tsp

short grain rice, basmati rice – soaked for 20 minutes: 1 cup

water as needed: 2 ½ cups

salt or to taste: 1 tsp

fresh coconut – grated: 2 tbsp

coriander leaves – finely chopped: 2 tbsp

How To Make Masala Bhaat

1. Heat ghee and prepare tempering.
2. Add onion, chilli, and ginger-garlic paste.
   1. Saute well.
3. Add tomato, cashews, and mixed vegetables.
   1. Saute well.
4. Add spice powder.
5. Saute the spices on low flame for a minute.
6. Add rice, water, and salt.
7. Stir well, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.
8. Add in 2 tbsp fresh coconut and coriander leaves.
9. Serve your masala bhaat with raita or tomato saaru.