Spicy Poppy Seed Pulao (Gasa Gasala Saddi) Recipe
Description:
The Spicy Poppy Seed Pulao, also known as Gasa Gasala Saddi (Saddi meaning leftover rice), is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish commonly found in South Indian kitchens. This delightful dish is made with poppy seeds and a blend of aromatic spices, making it a perfect comfort food for lunch. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with the richness of spices like cumin, turmeric, and red chili, offers a unique twist to everyday rice. This vegetarian dish is an easy and quick solution for repurposing leftover rice into a savory meal.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked rice (leftover rice) | 3 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Red Chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Mustard seeds (Rai/Kadugu) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Khuskhus (Poppy seeds) | 1 cup |
| Black Urad Dal (Split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (finely chopped) | 3 cloves |
| Green Chillies (slit) | 3 |
| Cashew nuts (halved) | 5 |
| Sultana Raisins | 5 |
| Ghee (or oil for cooking) | As needed |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Tempering:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat a tablespoon of oil (or ghee) over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and black urad dal to the pan. Allow the mustard seeds to splutter and the urad dal to roast lightly until it starts turning brown. -
Add Aromatics:
Once the dal begins to brown, add the chopped garlic and slit green chillies. Stir-fry these for a few seconds until the garlic softens and the green chillies start to splutter. Be careful not to burn them. -
Incorporate the Poppy Seeds:
Add the khuskhus (poppy seeds) to the pan. Stir-fry them for a few more seconds to release their flavors. -
Mix in the Rice:
Now, add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps of rice and stir well to combine all the ingredients. Sprinkle in the cumin powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix thoroughly so that the spices coat the rice evenly. -
Simmer the Rice:
Cover the pan with a lid and allow the rice to simmer in the poppy seed mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step allows the rice to absorb all the aromatic flavors of the spices and poppy seeds. -
Prepare the Cashew Raisin Tadka:
In a separate small pan (or tadka pan), heat a teaspoon of ghee. Add the halved cashew nuts and fry them until they turn golden brown and crisp. Then, add the sultana raisins and allow them to puff up in the hot ghee. Once done, remove from heat. -
Final Touch:
Pour the roasted cashew and raisin mixture over the Spicy Poppy Seed Pulao. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients and ensure the nuts and raisins are evenly distributed. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Spicy Poppy Seed Pulao warm with accompaniments like Hyderabadi Bagara Baingan (a spicy eggplant dish) and soft Phulka (Indian flatbreads). This flavorful pulao makes for a fulfilling and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 250 mg |
Tips:
- Leftover Rice: This recipe works perfectly with leftover rice, which helps reduce cooking time. If you don’t have leftover rice, freshly cooked rice can also be used. Let it cool slightly before using.
- Customization: Feel free to add more vegetables like peas or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust the level of spiciness based on your preference.
- Storage: This pulao can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat before serving.
The Spicy Poppy Seed Pulao is an aromatic and tasty dish, ideal for quick lunches or as a side to a more elaborate meal. With its combination of spices and the delightful crunch of cashews and raisins, this pulao brings a burst of flavor to your plate. Enjoy the simplicity and authenticity of South Indian cuisine with this easy-to-make recipe!
