Misa Maas Anja, Steamed Basmati Rice, Dal Tadka and Bhindi Bhaji

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 Toor Dal (rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
• 3 cup Water (for pressure cooking, plus more as needed)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp Ghee (divided)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.5 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tbsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• 2 pcs Green Chili (slit lengthwise)
• 1 medium Tomato (finely chopped)
• 0.25 tsp Hing (asafoetida)
• 2 pcs Dried Red Chili (whole)
• 0.5 tsp Kashmiri Red Chili Powder (for color, adjust to taste)
• 0.5 tsp Garam Masala
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped, for garnish)
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice (optional, for a tangy finish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Pressure Cook the Dal

   • Rinse the toor dal thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. Drain.
   • Place the rinsed dal in a pressure cooker. Add 3 cups of water, turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp of salt.
   • Secure the lid and pressure cook on medium-high heat for 4-5 whistles, or about 15 minutes, until the dal is completely soft and mushy.
   • Allow the pressure to release naturally. This extra time helps the dal become even creamier.
   • Once the pressure has subsided, open the cooker and whisk the dal gently until it reaches a smooth, consistent texture. If it's too thick, add a little hot water to reach your desired consistency.
2. 2

   Prepare the Masala Base

   • Heat 1 tbsp of ghee in a separate pan or kadai over medium heat.
   • Add 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
   • Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
   • Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
   • Stir in the chopped tomatoes and the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and the mixture becomes pulpy.

Ingredients

• 500 g Okra (Washed, thoroughly dried, and cut into 1-inch rounds)
• 2 medium Onion (Thinly sliced)
• 2 medium Tomato (Finely chopped)
• 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 1 tsp Ginger Garlic Paste
• 2 pcs Green Chili (Slit lengthwise)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 0.75 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust to taste)
• 1.5 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1 tsp Amchur Powder (Also known as dry mango powder)
• 0.5 tsp Garam Masala
• 1 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the Okra: Wash the okra and pat it completely dry with a kitchen towel. This step is crucial to prevent sliminess. Trim the top and tail, then chop the okra into 1-inch thick rounds.

2. 2

   Sauté the Okra: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium-high heat. Add the chopped okra and stir-fry for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the okra is tender, lightly browned, and the sticky texture is gone. Remove the cooked okra from the pan and set it aside.

3. 3

   Create the Masala Base: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 4-5 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies, and cook for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.

4. 4

   Cook Tomatoes and Spices: Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and mushy. Now, add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala for 2-3 minutes, until oil begins to separate from the sides.

5. 5

   Combine and Finish: Return the fried okra to the pan with the masala. Gently toss everything together to coat the okra evenly. Sprinkle the amchur powder and garam masala on top, give it a final mix, and cook uncovered for 2 more minutes.

6. 6

   Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the Bhindi Bhaji hot with roti, paratha, or as a side dish with dal and rice.