I absolutely love this recipe because it brings together the aromatic symphony of spices with the nutty crunch of peanuts, making every bite a delightful experience. Plus, it’s the perfect blend of comfort and flavor, satisfying my love for traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist.
Masale Bhath, a delicious rice dish from Maharashtra, fills my kitchen with seductive scents of exotic spices and tantalizing flavors. When my mother prepares it, I sit at the kitchen counter watching her.
I have known this dish closely and for long: It has been cooked in my family since before I can remember. But even with that pedigree, I have never inherited the fabulous expertise of my mother.
She prepares it faster and with far fewer movements than I could ever manage.
Ingredients
Basmati Rice:
Carbohydrates provide the energy present in basmati rice, which also possesses a fluffy texture.
Peanuts:
Protein and healthy fats combine with a delightful crunchy texture in peanuts.
Goda Masala:
The dish is infused with deep, aromatic, and smoky flavors from goda masala.
Jaggery:
Adding natural sweetness and depth, jaggery balances the spicy components.
Fresh Coconut:
The richness of texture and sweetness of coconut greatly enhance the overall flavor.
Mustard Seeds:
Seeds of mustard bestow a flavor that is nutty and pungent and a digestive good that is hard to beat.
Coriander Leaves:
Coriander gives a fresh, citrusy taste and brilliant color.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, potatoes), diced
- 2 teaspoons goda masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon jaggery (optional)
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh coconut, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
1. Wash the Basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes, then drain it well and set it aside.
2. In a big pot, bring oil or ghee to a medium heat. Toss in mustard seeds, allowing them to pop and sizzle. Next, introduce cumin seeds and peanuts into the party. Keep everything moving in the pot until the peanuts turn a golden shade.
3. To the pot, add the onion (chopped) and sauté. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the garlic paste and ginger paste; sauté for another minute.
4. Add the mixed vegetables, diced, and sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.
5. Blend the goda masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt, in a well-ventilated area if possible, because these spices sometimes have a strong fragrance. You’re essentially making a spice blend, and as with any dish, taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
6. To the pot, add the drained rice and gently mix, making sure the spices are well-combined with the rice.
7. Add 2 cups of water and the jaggery (if using) to a pot. Stir to combine, then bring to a vigorous boil.
8. When the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed.
9. After cooking, take the pot from the heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. With a fork, gently fluff the rice.
10. Before serving, the Masale Bhath should be garnished with fresh grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Equipment Needed
1. Measuring cups
2. Large bowl
3. Colander or fine mesh strainer
4. Large pot with lid
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater
9. Juicer or citrus press (optional)
10. Fork
FAQ
- What is goda masala?Maharashtrian goda masala is a spice mix that adds a special flavor to dishes. Ingredients such as coriander seeds, coconut, and cinnamon go into its making. Other spices are also used, and the proportions can vary widely, but what you will find in goda masala that you won’t find in other spice mixes is the use of toasted coconut, lending a depth and sweetness to the otherwise fragrant and assertive spices.
- Can I substitute goda masala with another spice mix?Goda masala has a distinct taste all its own; you can use garam masala as a substitute, but it will not taste quite the same.
- Is it necessary to use Basmati rice?The distinct aroma and long grains make basmati rice the preferred choice, but you can use any readily available rice. Just adjust the water and the cooking time as necessary.
- How spicy is this dish?Spiciness may be altered by changing the amount of red chili powder used. Adjust to your taste.
- Are the peanuts and jaggery essential?Adding peanuts creates a crunchy texture, while jaggery brings a sweet balance to the dish’s flavors. Both ingredients are optional but recommended.
- What can be served with Masale Bhath?A side of yogurt, raita, or a simple salad is often paired with this dish to balance its spicy flavors.
- Can I use frozen vegetables?Indeed, frozen vegetables can be used as a handy substitute for fresh vegetables. Just thaw them before cooking.
Substitutions and Variations
For Basmati rice, substitute Jasmine rice or any other long-grain rice.
Replace the oil or ghee with butter or olive oil.
Use either cashews or almonds instead of peanuts.
If garam masala is unavailable, substitute it for goda masala.
If fresh coconut is not available, you can use desiccated coconut instead.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-soak the Rice: For fluffier rice, rinse and soak the Basmati rice for at least 20-30 minutes instead of just 15-20. This extra soaking time helps the grains expand better while cooking.
2. Temper the Mustard and Cumin Seeds Properly: To enhance the flavor, ensure the oil or ghee is adequately hot before adding the mustard seeds, allowing them to fully crackle before adding cumin seeds. This releases their full aroma and prevents bitterness.
3. Customize the Spice Level: When adding the goda masala and chili powder, consider your spice tolerance. You can adjust the quantity to cater to your taste—either dial it up for more heat or scale it back if you prefer a milder dish.
4. Cook the Vegetables Al Dente: When sautéing the vegetables, ensure they are cooked but still slightly firm before adding the rice. This prevents them from becoming too mushy during the final simmering.
5. Rest Before Serving: After fluffing the rice, let it rest covered with a towel for an additional 5 minutes. This step ensures the flavors settle and the rice has the perfect texture when you serve it.
Masale Bhath Recipe
My favorite Masale Bhath Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Measuring cups
2. Large bowl
3. Colander or fine mesh strainer
4. Large pot with lid
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Grater
9. Juicer or citrus press (optional)
10. Fork
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/4 cup peanuts
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger paste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, potatoes), diced
- 2 teaspoons goda masala
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon jaggery (optional)
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup fresh coconut, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
1. Wash the Basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Let it soak for 15-20 minutes, then drain it well and set it aside.
2. In a big pot, bring oil or ghee to a medium heat. Toss in mustard seeds, allowing them to pop and sizzle. Next, introduce cumin seeds and peanuts into the party. Keep everything moving in the pot until the peanuts turn a golden shade.
3. To the pot, add the onion (chopped) and sauté. Sauté until the onion is translucent. Stir in the garlic paste and ginger paste; sauté for another minute.
4. Add the mixed vegetables, diced, and sauté for a few minutes until they start to soften.
5. Blend the goda masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt, in a well-ventilated area if possible, because these spices sometimes have a strong fragrance. You’re essentially making a spice blend, and as with any dish, taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
6. To the pot, add the drained rice and gently mix, making sure the spices are well-combined with the rice.
7. Add 2 cups of water and the jaggery (if using) to a pot. Stir to combine, then bring to a vigorous boil.
8. When the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and allow it to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed.
9. After cooking, take the pot from the heat and allow it to sit for 5 minutes. With a fork, gently fluff the rice.
10. Before serving, the Masale Bhath should be garnished with fresh grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
