How to Make Masala Rice in a Cooker: A Quick and Easy Recipe
Are you craving a delicious and flavorful dish? Look no further than masala rice! This dish combines aromatic spices with fragrant basmati rice, creating a mouthwatering treat for your taste buds. The best part? You can easily make masala rice in a cooker, saving you time and effort in the kitchen. In this article, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to make this delectable dish.
What is Masala Rice?
Masala rice is a popular Indian dish that is packed with flavors. It is made by cooking basmati rice with a blend of aromatic spices and vegetables. The result is a dish that is both fragrant and flavorful, perfect as a main course or a side dish. Masala rice can be customized according to your preferences by adding various vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or bell peppers.
Ingredients Required:
To make masala rice in a cooker, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups of basmati rice
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 cup of green peas
– 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2-3 green chilies, chopped (optional)
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– Salt, to taste
– 3 cups of water
– 2 tablespoons of cooking oil
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
Now that you have gathered all the required ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making masala rice in a cooker:
Step 1: Wash the rice
Before starting the cooking process, it is essential to rinse the basmati rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch. Place the rice in a colander and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. This step will prevent the rice grains from sticking together during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the spices
Heat the cooking oil in the cooker and add cumin seeds. Once the seeds start to sizzle, add the chopped onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent and the raw smell of the garlic fades away.
Step 3: Add vegetables and spices
Now, it’s time to add the diced carrots, green peas, and chopped tomatoes to the cooker. Stir them well with the sautéed onions and spices. This is also the perfect time to add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt according to your taste preferences. These spices will enhance the flavor and aroma of the masala rice.
Step 4: Cook the rice
After sautéing the vegetables and spices for a couple of minutes, it’s time to add the rinsed basmati rice. Gently mix the rice with all the ingredients in the cooker, ensuring each grain is coated with the flavorful masala mixture. Pour in the water and give it a final stir.
Step 5: Pressure cook
Now, close the lid of the cooker and set it to pressure cook mode. Cook the masala rice on medium heat for about two whistles. Once done, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This will help the flavors to develop and the rice to cook perfectly.
Step 6: Fluff and garnish
After the pressure has released, carefully open the lid of the cooker. Take a fork and gently fluff the rice to separate the grains. To enhance the presentation and taste, garnish the masala rice with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Tips and Variations:
– For an extra burst of flavors, you can add whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, or cardamom pods while sautéing the onions.
– If you prefer a spicier version, you can increase the quantity of red chili powder or add finely chopped green chilies.
– Experiment with different vegetables of your choice to make the masala rice more nutritious and colorful.
– To make the dish more indulgent, you can also add fried cashew nuts or raisins while garnishing.
Conclusion:
Making masala rice in a cooker is a simple and convenient way to enjoy a delicious and aromatic dish. With just a few basic ingredients and some flavorful spices, you can create a treat for your taste buds. Whether you serve it as a main course or a side dish, masala rice is sure to impress your family and friends. So, grab your cooker and start cooking this quick and easy recipe today!