Gujarati Biraj (Saffron-Flavored Sweet Lentil Rice with Dry Fruits & Coconut)
Course: Dinner | Cuisine: Gujarati | Diet: Vegetarian
Gujarati Biraj is a delightful and aromatic rice dish, combining the goodness of basmati rice, chana dal (Bengal gram), and dry fruits. The addition of saffron and freshly grated coconut gives it a rich flavor that can serve as a perfect dessert or a side dish. The roasted nuts and raisins elevate the texture and sweetness, making this a memorable part of your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 1/2 cup Chana dal (Bengal gram dal)
- 1/4 cup Fresh coconut, grated
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Cardamom powder (Elaichi), freshly pounded
- 3 strands Saffron
- 2 tablespoons Whole almonds (Badam), thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Pistachios, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Cashew nuts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Sultana raisins
- 4 tablespoons Ghee
Preparation Time: 60 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
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Soak rice and dal: Begin by washing the basmati rice and chana dal (Bengal gram) thoroughly. Soak them in 3 cups of water for about an hour.
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Roast nuts: In a small pan, heat 1 tablespoon of ghee on medium heat. Add the sliced almonds, pistachios, cashews, and sauté until they are nicely roasted and fragrant. Remove from heat and set them aside.
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Cook the rice and dal: In a larger pan, heat 3 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat. Add the soaked rice and chana dal, along with the water they were soaked in. Stir in the freshly ground cardamom powder, saffron strands, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
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Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice and dal are cooked and the water has been absorbed.
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Rest and finish: Once the water is fully absorbed, remove the pan from the heat and let the rice mixture rest for 15 minutes. This helps the flavors to meld together.
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Add coconut and nuts: After resting, stir in the freshly grated coconut, roasted nuts, and sultana raisins. Mix gently to combine.
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Serve: Serve the Gujarati Biraj hot with a side of Gujarati Kadhi and Desi Kala Chana Curry for a truly traditional and satisfying meal.
Tips:
- For extra richness, you can adjust the amount of ghee to your liking.
- You can also use other dry fruits like cashews or walnuts, depending on your preference.
This sweet, savory, and aromatic dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. Enjoy the delightful flavors of Gujarati cuisine!
