Bengali Style Mixed Vegetable Sweet Pilaf Recipe
Introduction
Indulge in the enchanting flavors of Bengal with this delightful Bengali Style Mixed Vegetable Sweet Pilaf, a dish that beautifully marries the richness of aromatic spices with the wholesome goodness of mixed vegetables. This vibrant and aromatic pilaf, often served during festive occasions, makes for an excellent main course that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests craving more. With its perfect balance of sweetness and savory, this pilaf is a celebration on a plate.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Govind Bhog Rice | 200 grams |
| Mixed vegetables (chopped; e.g., carrot) | 1 cup |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Raisins | A handful |
| Green Chilli (slit) | 1 |
| Cashew nuts | 8 |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese, cubed) | 100 grams |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Cardamom pods/seeds (Elaichi) | 3 |
| Cinnamon stick (Dalchini) | 2 inches |
| Cloves (Laung) | 3 |
| Sugar | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 2 teaspoons |
| Sunflower Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 200 |
| Protein | 6 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fats | 8 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
Preparation Time
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 30 minutes |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
| Total | 60 minutes |
Servings
| Servings | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 10 | 1 serving each |
Cuisine
| Type | Style |
|---|---|
| Bengali Recipes | Main Course |
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice: Begin by washing the 200 grams of Govind Bhog rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
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Blanch the Vegetables: In a pot of boiling water, blanch your chopped mixed vegetables and peas for a couple of minutes. This process helps retain their vibrant colors and nutritional value. Once blanched, drain and set aside.
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Fry the Paneer: Heat 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil in a handi or a heavy-bottomed kadai over medium heat. Lightly shallow fry the cubed paneer until golden brown. Remove from the pan and set aside on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same kadai, add 2 bay leaves, 3 cardamom pods, 2-inch cinnamon stick, and 3 cloves. Allow these whole spices to sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Then, add the thinly sliced onion and sauté until it turns translucent.
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Add Vegetables: Incorporate the blanched vegetables into the kadai, stirring for a few minutes. You want them to soften slightly while retaining some texture.
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Combine Ingredients: Once the vegetables are tender but still crisp, add the 8 cashew nuts and a handful of raisins. Stir for another minute to allow the nuts and raisins to mingle with the flavors.
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Cook the Rice: Gently fold in the soaked rice, sautéing it until the grains become slightly elongated and white, about 3-4 minutes. This step enhances the rice’s flavor and texture.
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Add Water and Seasoning: Pour in just enough water to cover the rice completely. Add 2 teaspoons of sugar and a slit green chilli for heat, along with salt to taste. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Cover and Cook: Cover the pot and let it cook on low heat until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the water, about 15-20 minutes.
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Finish with Ghee and Paneer: Once the rice is done, remove the lid and drizzle 2 teaspoons of ghee over the top. Gently mix the pilaf to incorporate the ghee. Finally, add the fried paneer cubes, stirring them into the dish.
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Rest and Serve: Remove the pilaf from heat, cover again, and let it rest for about 2-3 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve hot, perhaps alongside Bengali Style Pomfret Shorshe and Bengali Special Chocolate Sandesh for a truly festive experience.
Conclusion
Experience the joy of cooking with this Bengali Style Mixed Vegetable Sweet Pilaf, a dish that captures the essence of Bengali culinary traditions. Perfect for festive gatherings or a special family dinner, this pilaf brings warmth and sweetness to your table. Enjoy the rich tapestry of flavors and the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen as you prepare this exquisite dish. Bon appétit!
