Kabargah, Steamed Basmati Rice and Mujh Chetin

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

• 250 g Radish (about 2 medium-sized, peeled and finely grated)
• 1 cup Curd (thick, full-fat, whisked until smooth)
• 2 pcs Green Chili (finely chopped, adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp Mint Leaves (fresh, finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (fresh, finely chopped)
• 0.75 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 0.25 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color and mild heat)
• 0.5 tsp Roasted Cumin Powder (freshly ground for best aroma)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Radish: Wash, peel, and finely grate the radishes. Place the grated radish in a muslin cloth or a fine-mesh sieve. Press and squeeze firmly to remove as much water as possible. This is the most critical step to ensure a thick, creamy chutney. Discard the water.

2. 2

   Prepare the Yogurt Base: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the thick curd. Whisk it vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until it is completely smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps.

3. 3

   Combine Ingredients: Add the squeezed grated radish, finely chopped green chilies, mint leaves, and coriander leaves to the bowl of whisked yogurt.

4. 4

   Season and Mix: Sprinkle in the salt, Kashmiri red chili powder, and roasted cumin powder. Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly combined. Taste and adjust the salt or green chilies if needed.

5. 5

   Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chutney for at least 30 minutes. This resting time is essential for the flavors to meld and develop. Serve the Mujh Chetin chilled as a refreshing side with Kashmiri pulao, kebabs, or other main courses.