Perfectly fluffy, long-grained basmati rice with a delicate aroma. This simple, foolproof recipe gives you separate, non-sticky grains every time, making it the perfect base for any curry or dal.
Prep35 min
Cook25 min
Soak30 min
Servings4
Serving size: 1 cup
262cal
5gprotein
55gcarbs
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
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.
A quintessential Assamese potato curry, this 'Sofita aru Alu'r Torkari' is a comforting, soulful dish defined by the unique, slightly bitter aroma of tempered fenugreek seeds (Sofita). Simple to prepare, it's a staple in Assamese households, perfect for a wholesome meal with steamed rice.
A traditional Assamese delicacy, this dal features whole black gram lentils slow-cooked to a creamy consistency. Its unique earthy flavor, enhanced by ginger and mustard oil, makes it a comforting and soulful dish.
About Steamed Basmati Rice, Sofita aru Alu'r Torkari and Mati Mahor Dal
Iron-rich spinach & potato curry with protein-packed black gram dal. Homestyle and wholesome!
This assamese dish is perfect for dinner. With 763.74 calories and 22.85g of protein per serving, it's a nutritious choice for your meal plan.
1gfat
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
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.
238cal
5gprotein
32gcarbs
11gfat
Ingredients
500 g Potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
3 tbsp Mustard Oil
1 tsp Fenugreek Seeds (known as 'Sofita' in Assamese)
1 large Onion (finely chopped)
1 tbsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
2 item Green Chilies (slit lengthwise)
2 medium Tomatoes (finely chopped)
0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Cumin Powder
0.5 tsp Red Chili Powder (adjust to your spice preference)
1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
2 cup Hot Water (approximately 500 ml)
2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (freshly chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Heat mustard oil in a kadai or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it becomes aromatic and just begins to smoke. This step is crucial to mellow its pungent flavor.
2
Reduce the heat to low. Carefully add the fenugreek seeds (sofita). Sauté for about 30 seconds until they darken slightly and release their distinct aroma. Be vigilant to not let them burn, as they will turn unpleasantly bitter.
3
Add the finely chopped onion and increase the heat to medium. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
4
Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.
5
Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix everything well. Cook this masala mixture for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down and oil begins to separate from the sides of the pan.
6
Add the cubed potatoes to the pan. Stir gently to coat them evenly with the masala. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
7
Pour in the hot water and stir well. Bring the curry to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
1 cup Whole Black Gram (Also known as Mati Mah or Sabut Urad Dal)
4 cup Water (For pressure cooking, plus more for adjusting consistency)
2 tbsp Mustard Oil (Essential for the authentic Assamese flavor)
1 tsp Panch Phoron (A five-spice blend of cumin, mustard, fenugreek, nigella, and fennel seeds)
1 inch Ginger (Finely chopped or grated)
5 pcs Garlic Cloves (Finely chopped)
2 pcs Green Chili (Slit lengthwise)
1 pcs Onion (Medium-sized, finely chopped)
0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
Soak the Lentils
Rinse the whole black gram (mati mah) thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear.
Place the lentils in a large bowl and cover with 3-4 cups of water. Soak for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight.
After soaking, drain the water completely and give the lentils one final rinse.
2
Pressure Cook the Dal
Transfer the soaked and drained lentils to a pressure cooker.
Add 4 cups of fresh water, turmeric powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Secure the lid and cook on medium-high heat for 6-7 whistles, or for about 25-30 minutes.
Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally. This is crucial for tender lentils.
Once the pressure has subsided, open the cooker. The lentils should be soft and cooked through. Gently mash them with the back of a ladle to achieve a creamy consistency, leaving some whole for texture.
Once the potatoes are cooked, gently mash a few cubes against the side of the pan with your spoon to naturally thicken the gravy. Check for seasoning and adjust salt if necessary.
9
Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Turn off the heat and let the curry rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
In a separate small pan (tadka pan), heat the mustard oil over medium heat until it just begins to smoke. This reduces its pungency.
Reduce the heat to low, add the panch phoron, and let the seeds crackle and become fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chopped ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for about a minute until the raw smell disappears.
4
Combine and Simmer
Add the finely chopped onion to the tempering pan and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
Carefully pour this entire tempering mixture into the pressure cooker with the cooked dal.
Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt (or to taste) and stir well to combine.
Bring the dal to a gentle simmer over low heat. Let it cook for another 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. If the dal is too thick, add a splash of hot water to reach your desired consistency.
5
Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and stir in the freshly chopped coriander leaves.
Let the dal rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serve hot with steamed rice (bhaat) for an authentic and comforting Assamese meal.
