Vagharela Chawal (Parsi Style Brown Rice) Recipe
Vagharela Chawal, a traditional Parsi-style brown rice dish, is a simple yet flavorful dish commonly served with Parsi curries such as Dhansak or Salli Marghi. This dish is a perfect example of how the Parsis elevate humble ingredients like rice, onions, and aromatic spices to create a comforting meal. The caramelized onions and whole spices in ghee lend the rice a rich, warm flavor that’s both aromatic and satisfying.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice (washed) | 1 ½ cups |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Cardamom Pods (Elaichi) | 2 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Parsi Recipes
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pressure Cooker:
Begin by heating ghee in a pressure cooker over medium flame. Once the ghee is hot, add the whole spices: cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Allow the spices to sizzle and release their aroma.
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-
Caramelize the Onions:
Add the thinly sliced onions to the cooker and sauté them until they turn a deep brown and caramelize. This process will take around 10 minutes on medium heat, so be patient for the onions to achieve that rich color and sweetness. -
Add the Rice:
Once the onions are caramelized, add the washed and drained rice to the cooker. Stir the rice gently to mix it with the onions and spices. -
Cook the Rice:
Pour in 3 cups of water and add salt to taste. Close the pressure cooker and cook the rice for 3 whistles on medium heat. After the third whistle, turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. -
Fluff and Serve:
Once the pressure has completely released, open the cooker and use a fork to fluff the rice gently. This will help separate the grains and keep the texture light and fluffy. -
Serving Suggestions:
Transfer the cooked Vagharela Chawal to a serving bowl and serve it hot. This dish pairs beautifully with Parsi Dhansak or Salli Murghi (Parsi Salli Marghi) and a side of salad for a wholesome weekday lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Additional Tips:
- Rice Variety: For an authentic Parsi touch, use brown rice, which provides a nuttier texture compared to regular white rice.
- Caramelized Onions: The key to this dish is the slow caramelization of onions. This step brings out the sweetness and depth of flavor, so take your time with it.
Enjoy the warmth and flavors of this Parsi-inspired Vagharela Chawal, a dish that makes every meal feel special with its unique combination of spices and textures!
