Vagharela Chawal Recipe (Parsi Tempered Rice)
Description:
Vagharela Chawal, a traditional Parsi rice dish, is essentially rice that is tempered with spices and caramelized onions. The term Vagharela refers to the tempering process, known as Vaghaar in Parsi cuisine. In this dish, onions are thinly sliced and sautéed to a deep golden brown, creating a rich, sweet flavor. The dish is then spiced with a unique blend of whole spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, which infuse the rice with a delightful aroma. Vagharela Chawal is the perfect comfort food for any meal and is best enjoyed with Parsi-style salads or curries.
Cuisine: Parsi
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 1 1/2 cups (washed) |
| Onion | 2 (thinly sliced) |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) | 2 pods |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 whole |
| Cinnamon Stick | 1-inch piece |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee (Clarified Butter) | 1 tbsp |
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Instructions
-
Heat the Ghee:
Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pressure cooker on medium heat. Allow the ghee to melt and become hot. -
Tempering Spices:
Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods to the ghee. Let them sizzle for about 10 seconds, which will release their aromatic oils and fragrance. -
Caramelizing the Onions:
Next, add the thinly sliced onions to the cooker. Stir occasionally, cooking the onions until they turn a deep golden brown. This process should take about 10-15 minutes, so be patient and keep an eye on the onions to ensure they do not burn. The rich, caramelized flavor will elevate the dish. -
Adding Rice and Water:
Once the onions are ready, add the washed rice to the cooker and stir well to coat the rice with the ghee and spices. Now, pour in 3 cups of water, and add salt to taste. Stir everything together, making sure the ingredients are evenly mixed. -
Pressure Cooking:
Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 3 whistles on medium heat. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the cooker. -
Final Mixing and Serving:
Once the pressure has released, open the lid, and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the rice is well-coated with the tempering and spices.
Serving Suggestions
Vagharela Chawal is typically served with Parsi-style accompaniments like Dhansak, Salim Margi (Parsi chicken curry), or a refreshing Pudina Pyaz Kachumber Salad. This comforting rice dish pairs beautifully with any rich, flavorful curry or even a simple yogurt-based side dish.
Enjoy this delicious, aromatic rice dish as part of your regular meals, or serve it as a side dish for a special occasion. The unique blend of spices and the caramelized onions make it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~45 g |
| Protein | ~4 g |
| Fat | ~8 g |
| Fiber | ~2 g |
| Sodium | ~500 mg |
This recipe is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is bursting with flavor. Perfect for everyday meals or for when you’re entertaining guests, Vagharela Chawal is sure to be a favorite in your kitchen.
