Bengali Sweet Vegetable Pilaf with Paneer and Ghee

Bengali Style Mixed Vegetable Sweet Pilaf Recipe

Introduction

Bengali cuisine, known for its exquisite balance of flavors, brings to life a number of delightful dishes, and the Bengali Style Mixed Vegetable Sweet Pilaf is one such gem that holds a special place in the hearts of many. This dish, with its aromatic spices and subtle sweetness, is often prepared during the winter months, thanks to the abundance of fresh peas and carrots. While the pilaf is rich in flavor and texture, it is also simple to make, making it perfect for family meals and festive occasions alike. Paired with crispy Bengali-style pomfret or sweet chocolate sandesh, it becomes an unforgettable part of a meal.

Cuisine: Bengali

Course: Main Course

Diet: Vegetarian

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Govind Bhog Rice	200 grams
Mixed Vegetables (carrot, cauliflower, peas)	1 cup (chopped)
Onion	1 (thinly sliced)
Sultana Raisins	A handful
Green Chilli	1 (slit)
Cashew Nuts	8 (whole)
Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese)	100 grams (cubed)
Bay Leaves (Tej Patta)	2
Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds	3
Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini)	2-inch piece
Cloves (Laung)	3
Sugar	2 teaspoons
Salt	To taste
Ghee	2 teaspoons
Oil	1 tablespoon

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Instructions

1. Wash and Prepare the Rice:

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   • Begin by thoroughly washing the Govind Bhog rice under cold water. Drain the excess water and set the rice aside.

2. Blanch the Vegetables:

   • Bring a pot of water to a boil, and blanch the chopped vegetables (carrot, cauliflower, and peas) for a couple of minutes until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Drain the vegetables and set them aside.

3. Fry the Paneer:

   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a deep pan or handi. Add the cubed paneer (homemade cottage cheese) to the oil and lightly shallow fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the fried paneer from the pan and set it aside.

4. Sauté Whole Spices and Onions:

   • In the same pan, add the bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Let them splutter and release their aroma for about 30 seconds.
   • Add the sliced onion and sauté until the onions turn translucent and soft.

5. Add the Vegetables:

   • Once the onions are ready, add the blanched vegetables to the pan. Stir gently and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still retain their bite.

6. Add Cashews and Raisins:

   • Stir in the cashew nuts and sultana raisins. These will add a nice crunch and subtle sweetness to the dish.

7. Cook the Rice:

   • Add the soaked rice to the pan and sauté gently, allowing the rice grains to lengthen and whiten in color. This will take around 3-4 minutes, and it will help separate the grains once cooked.

8. Add Water and Season:

   • Add enough water to cover the rice (about 2 cups). Season the pilaf with sugar and salt to taste. Add the slit green chilli for a mild heat and extra flavor.
   • Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pan and cook until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy, about 15-20 minutes.

9. Finish with Ghee and Paneer:

   • Once the rice is cooked, remove the lid and drizzle 2 teaspoons of ghee over the rice. Mix gently to combine the ghee, enhancing the aroma and flavor of the pilaf.
   • Finally, add the fried paneer cubes to the pilaf. Stir gently and cover the pan for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

10. Serve:

• Serve this Bengali Style Mixed Vegetable Sweet Pilaf hot with your favorite side dishes like Bengali Style Pomfret Shorshe or Bengali Special Chocolate Sandesh for a complete festive meal.

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Tips for the Perfect Bengali Style Pilaf

• Rice Variety: While Govind Bhog rice is a traditional choice, you can use any aromatic rice like Basmati if needed. The key is to use short-grain rice for a more authentic texture.
• Paneer Substitute: If homemade paneer is not available, you can use store-bought paneer. Be sure to fry it until golden to enhance its flavor.
• Sugar Level: The sweetness of this pilaf comes from the sugar added. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference, but don’t overdo it—this is a savory pilaf with a hint of sweetness.
• Ghee: The use of ghee in this recipe is essential for authentic flavor. If you’re avoiding ghee, you can substitute with a little butter or extra oil, but the distinct aroma will be missing.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340 kcal
Protein	6g
Carbohydrates	54g
Fat	10g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	450mg

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Conclusion

The Bengali Style Mixed Vegetable Sweet Pilaf is a delightful dish, offering a perfect balance of spices, sweetness, and texture. Ideal for a winter meal or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with Bengali-inspired fish or dessert dishes, bringing an authentic taste of Bengali cuisine right to your table. This recipe is simple to make but rich in flavor, making it an excellent choice for family meals or festive gatherings. Enjoy this aromatic pilaf with loved ones and create memories with every bite!