Andhra Vankaya Kura, Steamed Basmati Rice and Anda Bhurji

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Basmati Rice (Use good quality, aged basmati rice for best results)
• 2.25 cup Water (For the absorption cooking method)
• 0.75 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp Ghee (Optional, for flavor and to prevent sticking)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and Soak the Rice (35 minutes)

   • Place the basmati rice in a large bowl. Add cold water and gently swirl the rice with your fingers. Drain the cloudy water. Repeat this process 3-4 times until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
   • Cover the rinsed rice with fresh water and let it soak for 30 minutes. Soaking allows the grains to absorb water, ensuring they cook evenly and elongate beautifully.
   • After 30 minutes, drain the rice completely using a fine-mesh sieve and set aside.
2. 2

   Cook the Rice (15 minutes)

   • In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, combine the drained rice, 2.25 cups of fresh water, salt, and ghee (if using).
   • Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, uncovered.
   • As soon as it boils, give it one gentle stir, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover the saucepan tightly with the lid.
   • Let the rice simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time to prevent steam from escaping.
3. 3

   Rest and Fluff (10 minutes)

   • Turn off the heat but leave the saucepan on the stove, still covered. Let the rice rest and steam for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for finishing the cooking process and achieving a perfect texture.
   • After resting, remove the lid. Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the long, delicate grains.
   • Serve hot as a perfect accompaniment to curries, dals, or grilled dishes.

Ingredients

• 8 pcs Eggs (Use large, room temperature eggs for the best texture.)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (Can be substituted with a neutral oil like sunflower oil.)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 2 medium Red Onion (Finely chopped.)
• 2 medium Roma Tomatoes (Finely chopped.)
• 1 inch Ginger (Peeled and finely grated.)
• 4 cloves Garlic (Finely minced.)
• 2 pcs Green Chilies (Finely chopped. Adjust quantity to your spice preference.)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 0.75 tsp Red Chili Powder (Kashmiri chili powder is recommended for color and mild heat.)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.)
• 0.5 tsp Garam Masala (Add at the end for the best aroma.)
• 2 tbsp Cilantro (Freshly chopped, for garnish.)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a medium bowl, crack the eggs. Add salt and whisk vigorously for about 1 minute until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy. Set aside.

2. 2

   Heat ghee in a non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Once the ghee is hot and shimmering, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Then, add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.

4. 4

   Stir in the finely chopped tomatoes. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down, become soft and pulpy, and the mixture starts to thicken.

5. 5

   Add the turmeric powder and red chili powder. Mix well and cook the masala for 2-3 minutes, until the oil begins to separate from the mixture at the edges of the pan. This indicates the masala is well-cooked.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low. Pour the whisked egg mixture into the pan. Let it sit undisturbed for 20-30 seconds to allow the bottom to set slightly.

7. 7

   Using a spatula, gently scrape the cooked egg from the bottom and sides of the pan, folding it towards the center. Continue this gentle scraping and folding motion for 2-3 minutes until the eggs are about 90% cooked but still soft and moist. Avoid over-stirring to maintain soft curds.