Basanti Pulao is a classic Bengali dish that is unique because it combines sweet and spicy flavours. This traditional pulao recipe is served with a spicy meat-based curry.
Also known as Mishti Pulao, the Basanti pulao recipe is a great blend of sweet and spice. It is enriched with cashew nuts, raisins and lots of ghee. This delicious Bengali cuisine is a culinary ride with fantastic flavours. However, the sweetness and ghee make it high in calories.
To enjoy this delectable dish without guilt, try this brown rice version of the basanti pulao recipe. First, make sure you have all the ingredients. If not, start with shopping groceries to ensure all ingredients are readily available.
Basanti Pulao Recipe
A traditional Bengali delicacy, basanti pulao is usually made for feasts or festive occasions as it is a balanced meal. This recipe is usually made with fragrant Gobind bhog or Kalijeera rice. However, using brown rice can make it diabetic-friendly.
Ingredients List
- Brown Basmati Rice (1 Cup)
- Ginger Paste (1 tsp)
- Turmeric (½ tsp)
- Garam Masala (½ tsp)
- Ghee (1 Tbsp)
- Oil (2 Tbsp)
- Bay Leaf
- Cardamom (4 Pods)
- Cloves (5)
- Cinnamon (1 inch)
- Cashew (2 Tbsp)
- Raisins (2 Tbsp)
- Salt to taste
- Slit Chilli (6)
- Sugar (¼ Cup)
Instructions
Wash and Soak Brown Rice
- To begin the Basanti pulao recipe, wash the brown basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes.
Saute Spices
- Heat ghee in a pan. Add the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, green cardamom pods and cloves to the ghee.
- When the spices release their aroma, add the ginger paste and saute it.
- Add cashews and raisins and roast them until they change their colour.
- Add turmeric powder to the pan.
Cooking the Rice
- Drain excess water from the soaked rice.
- After adding all the spices, add the soaked rice to the pan and stir it well to ensure all the spices are coated in the rice.
- When you notice that the rice is shiny, add water to the rice.
- Add salt to taste and cover the rice with a lid to simmer.
- After 10 minutes, check the rice and mix it gently. At this stage, it must be half-cooked.
- Now, add the slit chillies and sugar to the rice and cover the pan again.
- Let the rice simmer for another 10 minutes.
- Once the rice is properly cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest for a while before serving.
- Serve the rice hot with a meat-based gravy.
Relish this flavourful dish to have a sumptuous meal.
Tips for the Perfect Basanti Pulao Recipe
While the basanti pulao recipe is easy, following the tips below will give better results.
- The amount of salt and sugar must be enough to complement the flavours and not overpower each other.
- Although turmeric is responsible for the beautiful colour of the basanti pulao, it must be added in the right proportions. Extra turmeric can change the pulao’s aroma.
- The brown rice must be soaked for at least 3 minutes to ensure it is cooked properly.
- Serve the pulao with kosha mangsho (Bengali mutton curry).
- Make sure you have all the ingredients. If you are short on some of the ingredients, shopping groceries is no longer a tiring job with online platforms like Swiggy Instamart.
Conclusion
Basanti pulao is a unique recipe that strikes an excellent balance of flavours. This diabetic-friendly version ensures you enjoy a guilt-free treat.
To buy all the required ingredients, order them from popular online delivery apps like Swiggy Instamart to enjoy faster doorstep deliveries.
