Kaha Bath, also known as Yellow Rice, is a vibrant and flavorful dish deeply rooted in Asian and Indian culinary traditions. This recipe promises a delightful journey through aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exotic. Perfect for potlucks, special occasions like Ramadan, or simply when you crave a taste of something spicy and satisfying in under an hour.
Ingredients
For the Kaha Bath:
- 3 cups long grain rice
- 4 tbsp ghee
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 6 cloves
- 20 peppercorns
- 12 cardamom pods
- 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 3 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 12 curry leaves
- 1 stalk fresh lemongrass, bruised
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice:
Start by washing the long grain rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Drain well and set aside. -
Sautéing Aromatics:
Heat the ghee in a large, heavy-based saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they begin to turn golden brown, releasing their sweet aroma. -
Infusing Spices:
To the golden onions, add the cloves, peppercorns, cardamom pods (slightly crushed to release flavors), ground turmeric, salt, curry leaves, and bruised lemongrass. Stir well to combine and let the spices toast lightly in the ghee, enhancing their fragrance. -
Adding Rice and Coconut Milk:
Add the washed and drained rice to the spice-infused ghee mixture. Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the rice grains are well coated with ghee and turmeric, imparting a rich yellow hue. This step ensures that every grain absorbs the aromatic flavors. -
Cooking the Rice:
Pour in the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Lower the heat to a simmer. Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and resist the temptation to lift it while the rice cooks. Let it simmer undisturbed for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to absorb the creamy coconut goodness. -
Final Touches:
Once the rice is cooked and tender, you’ll notice the spices have risen to the top. Carefully remove and discard the cloves, peppercorns, cardamom pods, curry leaves, and lemongrass stalk. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and distribute the flavors evenly. -
Serving Kaha Bath:
Serve this aromatic Yellow Rice hot as part of an Indian or Sri Lankan style meal. Its vibrant color and rich flavors make it a standout dish on any dining table, perfect alongside curries, grilled meats, or as a centerpiece for festive gatherings.
Nutritional Information
Despite its decadent flavors, Kaha Bath is rich in calories and fats from the ghee and coconut milk, making it a dish best enjoyed occasionally or as part of a balanced meal plan. Each serving provides approximately 846.1 calories, with 54.3g of fat (including 45.5g of saturated fat), 21.9mg of cholesterol, 1390.5mg of sodium, 83.9g of carbohydrates, 2g of fiber, 1.7g of sugar, and 11.4g of protein.
Tips and Variations
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Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re short on some ingredients, feel free to improvise. For instance, if fresh lemongrass is unavailable, you can use a teaspoon of lemongrass paste or a couple of strips of lemon zest for a similar citrusy note.
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Making it Vegetarian/Vegan: To make this dish vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute ghee with vegetable oil or vegan butter. Ensure your curry leaves and coconut milk are free from animal-derived ingredients.
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Enhancing Flavor: For an extra kick of flavor, consider adding a pinch of saffron threads soaked in warm water or a handful of toasted cashew nuts or almonds during the final fluffing stage.
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Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to refresh the rice.
This Kaha Bath recipe celebrates the essence of traditional Asian and Indian cuisine, delivering a dish that’s not only delicious but also a testament to the art of spice blending and cooking finesse. Embrace its vibrant flavors and share it with loved ones to create memorable dining experiences. Enjoy the journey of culinary exploration with every fragrant spoonful of this delightful Yellow Rice!
