Peanut Rice with Coconut: A Kashmiri Delight
Peanut Rice with Coconut is a flavorful and hearty dish originating from the rich culinary traditions of Kashmir. This dish combines the earthy flavors of roasted peanuts, aromatic cumin, and mustard seeds, with the tropical richness of fresh coconut and sesame seeds. The end result is a delicious, nutty rice dish that pairs beautifully with raitas or as a main course on its own. Itโs a vegetarian delight that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Letโs dive into the ingredients and the step-by-step instructions to recreate this Kashmiri treat in your kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 3 cups |
| Sunflower oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Ghee (clarified butter) | 1 tablespoon |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Raw peanuts (Moongphali) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Raw peanuts (Moongphali) | 1/2 cup |
| Dry red chillies | 2 |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 2 teaspoons |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 3 tablespoons |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Kashmiri
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Cook the Rice:
Begin by cooking the basmati rice. Add 3 cups of water and a teaspoon of sunflower oil to a pressure cooker. Cook the rice for 2 whistles, ensuring that the grains remain separate and fluffy. Once done, remove the rice from the cooker and let it cool completely. This helps prevent the rice from becoming sticky when mixed with the spices later. -
-
Roast the Peanuts:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, dry roast the 1/2 cup of raw peanuts over a slow flame. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Roast until they are golden and aromatic. Once done, set the peanuts aside to cool. -
Toast the Sesame Seeds and Chillies:
Using the same pan, add the sesame seeds and dry red chillies. Toast them on low heat until the sesame seeds begin to pop and release a nutty fragrance. Be cautious not to burn them. Remove from the pan and let them cool along with the peanuts. -
Fry the Coconut:
Add the grated coconut to the pan and dry fry it until it turns golden brown. This step intensifies the coconutโs natural flavor and gives it a delightful crisp texture. Once toasted, set the coconut aside to cool. -
Grind the Spices:
Once all the roasted ingredients (peanuts, sesame seeds, dry chillies, and coconut) have cooled, grind them into a fine powder. You can use a spice grinder or a mortar and pestle. Grind the peanuts coarsely so that their texture remains somewhat crunchy. -
Temper the Spices:
In the same pan, add the ghee and heat it gently. Once the ghee has melted, add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Let them splutter and release their aromatic oils. Then, add the coarsely ground peanuts and sautรฉ for a minute or two. -
Combine the Rice:
Reduce the flame and add the cooled basmati rice to the pan. Sprinkle in the prepared spice powder and salt to taste. Gently toss the rice, ensuring that the spices coat every grain evenly. Be careful not to break the rice. If needed, add a bit more ghee to enhance the flavor and add moisture. -
Final Mixing:
Give the rice a final gentle mix, ensuring that the peanuts, sesame seeds, coconut, and spices are well-distributed. Your Peanut Rice with Coconut is now ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Peanut Rice with Coconut can be served as a standalone dish or paired with refreshing raitas like Tomato Onion Cucumber Raita or Makhana Raita for a complete meal. The creamy texture of the raita complements the crunchy, nutty rice perfectly, making it an irresistible combination.
Tips for the Perfect Peanut Rice with Coconut
- For an extra punch of flavor, add a few curry leaves during the tempering step.
- You can adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the number of dry red chillies based on your preference.
- Make sure to roast the peanuts and sesame seeds on a slow flame to bring out their full flavor. Rapid roasting may burn them and impart a bitter taste.
- This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days and tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Enjoy your Peanut Rice with Coconut, a traditional Kashmiri rice dish that is not only delicious but also packed with flavors and textures that will leave you craving more!
