Arunachal Style Kharzi Rice Recipe: A Delightful Taste of North East India
Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the northeastern corner of India, is a land rich in culture and culinary diversity. Among its various tribes, the Monpa tribe stands out for its unique and flavorful dishes, often incorporating ingredients like fermented cheese to elevate the taste. One such dish that beautifully encapsulates the culinary traditions of the Monpa tribe is Arunachal Style Kharzi Rice. This delicious rice dish, with its aromatic blend of spices, cheese, and fresh vegetables, is a true representation of the region’s gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re looking to try something new or explore the flavors of North East India, this recipe will leave you craving more.
This vegetarian dish combines the simplicity of cooked rice with the rich flavors of mozzarella cheese (or fermented cheese), dry red chillies, ginger, garlic, and fresh spring onions. Paired with freshly boiled peas and a dash of tomato, Kharzi Rice is the perfect meal for lunch or dinner. It’s quick, easy, and packs a flavorful punch that will transport you to the picturesque hills of Arunachal Pradesh.
Arunachal Style Kharzi Rice Recipe
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: North East India Recipes
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice | 2 cups |
| Dry red chillies | 3-4 |
| Mozzarella cheese (or fermented cheese) | 2 tablespoons |
| Ginger | 3-4 cloves |
| Garlic | 3-4 cloves |
| Tomato | 1 sliced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Spring onion (bulb & greens) | 1/4 cup |
| Green peas (freshly boiled) | 1/4 cup |
| Oil | 1 teaspoon |
Nutritional Information (per serving) (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-3
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by soaking the dry red chillies in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing them to soften. This step is essential to achieve a smooth paste later on. If you are using leftover rice, make sure it’s ready to go. Otherwise, cook fresh rice and let it cool slightly. -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a blender, add the soaked dry red chillies, sliced tomato, garlic cloves, and a little ginger. Blend these ingredients into a smooth paste. Add 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese or fermented cheese for that unique flavor, and salt to taste. The cheese will lend a creamy texture to the paste once it melts. -
Cook the Paste:
Heat a vessel and add a teaspoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the spice paste to it. Sauté the paste on low flame for a few minutes, just enough to remove the raw smell of ginger and garlic. Be sure to keep stirring continuously to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan. -
Add Spring Onions:
Quickly add the spring onions (both the bulb and the greens) to the pan and mix them in. Stir for a few seconds, ensuring that the spring onions slightly wilt but retain their vibrant color and crunch. Keep the flame low during this process. -
Combine with Rice:
Turn off the stove and add the hot, freshly boiled rice to the pan with the spice paste. Gently mix the rice and the paste, ensuring that the grains are evenly coated with the aromatic sauce. Add the boiled green peas and give the dish one final stir. -
Serve:
Serve the Arunachal Style Kharzi Rice hot, ideally paired with a refreshing side of Mooli Raita (radish yogurt dip) for an authentic experience. The coolness of the raita balances perfectly with the warm, spicy rice.
Cooking Tips:
- Fermented Cheese: If you prefer an authentic touch, replace mozzarella cheese with fermented cheese, which adds a deeper umami flavor typical in Monpa cuisine.
- Rice Variety: While any type of cooked rice can work for this recipe, using basmati or any long-grain rice can add a delightful fragrance to the dish.
- Adjusting Spice Level: The amount of dry red chillies can be adjusted according to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the number of chillies or remove the seeds before blending.
Serving Suggestions:
Arunachal Style Kharzi Rice pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, especially those that offer a contrast in flavor. Consider serving it with:
- Mooli Raita: A cooling yogurt-based dip with grated radishes to balance the heat of the rice.
- Vegetable Salad: A simple salad with cucumber, carrots, and a tangy dressing to add freshness to the meal.
- Pickles: A tangy, spicy pickle can enhance the flavors and make the meal even more flavorful.
Conclusion:
Arunachal Style Kharzi Rice is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant and diverse flavors of North East India right to your kitchen. With the perfect balance of spices, cheese, and fresh ingredients, this dish is sure to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re new to regional Indian cuisine or a seasoned enthusiast, this recipe offers a taste of Arunachal Pradesh’s culinary traditions that’s both unique and satisfying.
So, why not try this flavorful rice dish and enjoy a true taste of the Monpa tribe’s heritage? Enjoy your meal with a side of Mooli Raita, and experience the richness of Indian cuisine from the North East!
Happy cooking!
