Mutton Curry, Joha Rice and Aloo Pitika

Ingredients

• 1.5 cup Joha Rice (An aromatic short-grain rice from Assam.)
• 3 cup Water (Use filtered water for the best taste.)
• 0.5 tsp Salt (Optional, adjust to your taste.)
• 1 tsp Ghee (Optional, for flavour and to prevent sticking. Use a neutral oil for a vegan option.)

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse and Soak the Rice (Optional but Recommended)

   • Place the Joha rice in a fine-mesh sieve or a bowl. Rinse it under cold running water, gently swirling with your fingers, until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and prevents stickiness.
   • Drain the rice thoroughly. If you have time, soak the rinsed rice in fresh water for 15-20 minutes. Soaking helps the grains cook more evenly and become fluffier.
2. 2

   Cook the Rice

   • Drain the soaked rice completely and transfer it to a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid.
   • Add 3 cups of fresh water, the optional salt, and ghee.
   • Place the pot on the stove over high heat and bring the water to a rolling boil.
   • Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover the pot with the lid and let it simmer for 12-15 minutes.
   • Do not lift the lid during this time to ensure the rice steams properly.
3. 3

   Rest and Fluff

   • After 15 minutes, turn off the heat. Let the pot stand, still covered, for at least 10 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the grains to absorb the last of the steam, firm up, and finish cooking.
   • Remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork or a spatula to separate the grains.
   • Serve hot as a perfect accompaniment to Assamese curries, dals, or any vegetable dish.

Ingredients

• 500 g Potatoes (About 4 medium-sized, starchy potatoes like Russet work best)
• 1 medium Onion (Finely chopped)
• 3 pcs Green Chilies (Finely chopped, adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp Mustard Oil (Use raw, pungent mustard oil for authentic flavor)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped)
• 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)

Instructions

1. 1

   Boil the Potatoes

   • Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water.
   • Place them in a deep pot and add enough water to cover them by at least an inch.
   • Bring the water to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes. The potatoes are done when a knife pierces through the center with no resistance.
   • Alternatively, you can pressure cook the potatoes for 3-4 whistles on medium heat.
2. 2

   Peel and Mash

   • Carefully drain the hot water from the pot.
   • Let the potatoes cool just enough so you can handle them, but ensure they are still warm.
   • Peel the skin off the potatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
   • Using a potato masher or a fork, mash the potatoes to a slightly coarse texture. Avoid making a completely smooth puree for the best consistency.
3. 3

   Add Aromatics and Seasoning

   • To the warm mashed potatoes, add the finely chopped onion, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves.
   • Drizzle the raw mustard oil over the mixture and sprinkle with salt.
4. 4

   Combine and Serve

   • Gently mix all the ingredients together with your hands or a spoon until everything is well combined. Do not overmix.
   • Taste and adjust the salt or green chilies if needed.
   • Serve the Aloo Pitika immediately with hot steamed rice and dal for an authentic and comforting Assamese meal.