Watermelon Seeds Rice: A Delightful Twist on Traditional Rice Dishes
Watermelon Seeds Rice is a vibrant, flavorful, and unique recipe that takes advantage of the often-overlooked seeds from watermelon, giving them new life in this aromatic dish. With a perfect balance of spices, roasted seeds, and fragrant basmati rice, this dish offers a healthy and satisfying alternative to your usual rice-based meals. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a standalone meal, Watermelon Seeds Rice is bound to impress anyone who loves experimenting with creative and nutritious food.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice (cooked) | 1 cup |
| Watermelon seeds | 1/2 cup |
| Dry red chilies | 6 |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| White urad dal (split) | 1 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Raw peanuts (moongphali) – roasted | 1 tablespoon |
| Asafoetida (hing) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
Preparation Time
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 20 minutes |
| Cooking | 30 minutes |
| Total | 50 minutes |
Servings
| Number of Servings |
|---|
| 4 servings |
Cuisine and Course
| Cuisine | Course |
|---|---|
| Indian | Lunch |
Diet Type
| Diet |
|---|
| Vegetarian |
Instructions
To begin preparing your Watermelon Seeds Rice, start by dry roasting the watermelon seeds and dry red chilies in a pan over medium heat. Keep an eye on the seeds as they will begin to splutter and pop. Once they have popped, remove from the heat and let them cool.
Once cooled, transfer the roasted seeds and chilies to a mixing jar or blender. Add salt to taste, and grind the mixture into a coarse powder. Set aside.
Now, take a kadai (a traditional Indian wok-like pan) and place it on medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil to the kadai. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and let them crackle. As the mustard seeds pop, add the urad dal (split white lentils), curry leaves, and a pinch of asafoetida (hing) for a fragrant touch.
After the dals and curry leaves are sizzling, add the roasted peanuts. Stir-fry them for a couple of minutes until they turn a light brown color and become aromatic. This will give the dish a lovely crunch and nuttiness.
Next, add the cooked basmati rice to the kadai and gently mix the ingredients together. Finally, sprinkle in the coarsely ground watermelon seed powder. Stir everything well to ensure the rice is evenly coated with the powder and spices.
Serve your Watermelon Seeds Rice warm, or at room temperature, alongside crispy papad (thin crackers) as a delightful accompaniment. This dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a family meal, or even a light dinner.
You can also experiment with other seeds like pumpkin or melon seeds for a variation on this recipe.
Tips and Variations:
- Flavor Enhancement: If you want to elevate the flavor even further, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness.
- Nutritional Boost: Feel free to add some vegetables like carrots, peas, or beans to this dish to increase the fiber and nutrients. Simply stir-fry the vegetables with the spices before adding the rice.
- Seed Variations: Watermelon seeds give this dish a unique texture and flavor, but feel free to try pumpkin seeds or melon seeds if you prefer a different taste.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of dry red chilies based on your spice tolerance. If you want it milder, reduce the chilies or remove the seeds from them before roasting.
Watermelon Seeds Rice is a celebration of creativity in cooking and the delightful ways we can utilize ingredients that are often discarded. This easy-to-make recipe brings a refreshing change to your usual rice dishes and allows you to enjoy the health benefits of watermelon seeds in a delicious and satisfying way. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe offers a fun challenge and a delightful meal in one!
