Vagharelo Bhaat Recipe – Gujarati Masala Rice

Vagharelo Bhaat is a comforting and flavorful dish, often made using leftover rice, and cooked with a spiced buttermilk base. Originating from the heart of Gujarat, this recipe brings a rustic, homely touch to your dinner table. The earthy aroma of spices like asafoetida, cumin, and mustard seeds mingling with the richness of curd and the tang of gram flour creates a wholesome, satisfying meal. Each Gujarati family has its unique twist on this recipe, handed down through generations, and this version is inspired by my mother-in-law’s traditional approach.

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner, especially on a chilly night, and pairs beautifully with sides like Dill Cucumber Raita, Aam Ka Achaar, and crispy Papad for a complete and nourishing meal.

Recipe Information

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture

   • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the gram flour (besan), curd, salt, asafoetida, red chilli powder, and turmeric powder until you achieve a smooth, lump-free mixture. Set this aside.

2. Temper the Spices

   • Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them crackle.
   • Once the seeds pop, add the finely chopped curry leaves and stir for a few seconds to release their aroma.

3. Cook the Rice with the Mixture

   • Reduce the heat slightly and add the cooked rice to the pan. Stir it well to combine with the tempered spices.
   • Gradually pour the gram flour-curd mixture into the pan, stirring continuously to ensure the rice gets evenly coated.

4. Simmer to Perfection

   • Continue stirring over medium heat as the mixture thickens. Allow it to bubble gently for about 2 minutes while stirring to prevent sticking.

5. Final Touches

   • Once the mixture is thickened and the rice is heated through, garnish the Vagharelo Bhaat with freshly chopped coriander leaves.

6. Serve and Enjoy

   • Serve the Vagharelo Bhaat hot as a standalone dish, or pair it with Dill Cucumber Raita, Aam Ka Achaar, and crispy Papad for a complete Gujarati-style meal.

Tips for the Perfect Vagharelo Bhaat

1. Use Leftover Rice: This recipe works best with slightly dry leftover rice, as fresh rice can turn mushy.
2. Adjust the Spices: Feel free to modify the spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
3. Add Vegetables: To make the dish more wholesome, add cooked vegetables like peas, carrots, or capsicum.
4. Consistency Check: If the mixture becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of water or buttermilk while cooking.

Pairing Suggestions

Enjoy this hearty Gujarati delight as a comforting meal that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dining table. Let this recipe add a slice of Gujarat’s culinary tradition to your home!