Kababargah, Steamed Basmati Rice and Walnut Chutney

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

• 1 cup Walnuts (shelled)
• 0.75 cup Hung Curd (Ensure it's thick and not sour. Strain regular curd if needed.)
• 2 pcs Green Chilies (Adjust to your spice preference.)
• 0.25 cup Mint Leaves (Fresh leaves, lightly packed.)
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 0.5 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder (Provides a deeper, nuttier flavor than regular cumin powder.)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Sugar (Optional, helps balance the tanginess of the curd.)
• 2 tbsp Water (As needed for blending.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Walnuts: Soak 1 cup of walnuts in hot water for 30 minutes. This step softens them and makes peeling easier.

2. 2

   Peel the Walnuts: After soaking, drain the water completely. For a smoother, less bitter chutney, gently rub the walnuts between your fingers to remove the thin brown skin. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best flavor and texture.

3. 3

   Combine Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, add the peeled walnuts, 0.75 cup of hung curd, 2 chopped green chilies, 0.25 cup of fresh mint leaves, and 2 cloves of garlic.

4. 4

   Add Spices: Add 0.5 tsp of roasted cumin powder, 0.5 tsp of salt, and an optional 0.25 tsp of sugar to the blender.

5. 5

   Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste. If the chutney is too thick to blend, add 1-2 tablespoons of water, one at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Scrape down the sides of the blender jar periodically.

6. 6

   Chill and Serve: Transfer the chutney to a serving bowl. For the best flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.