Taryal Jhinga, Sindhi Kadhi and Steamed Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup Besan (Also known as gram flour)
• 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil
• 1 tsp Mustard Seeds
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 0.25 tsp Hing (Asafoetida)
• 10 leaves Curry Leaves
• 1 tsp Ginger Paste
• 2 pcs Green Chili (Slit lengthwise)
• 0.5 tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 tsp Red Chili Powder (Adjust to taste)
• 1.5 tsp Coriander Powder
• 2 tbsp Tamarind (Seedless, soaked in 1/2 cup warm water)
• 6 cups Water (Plus 1/2 cup for soaking tamarind)
• 1.5 tsp Salt (Or to taste)
• 1 medium Potato (Peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 2 pcs Drumsticks (Cut into 2-inch pieces)
• 100 g Cluster Beans (Trimmed and chopped)
• 100 g Okra (Trimmed, kept whole)
• 1 medium Tomato (Cut into quarters)
• 2 tbsp Coriander Leaves (Freshly chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare Tamarind and Vegetables: Soak the tamarind in 1/2 cup of warm water for 20 minutes. Squeeze the pulp well, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve, and discard the solids. Set the tamarind extract aside. Wash, peel, and chop all vegetables as specified in the ingredient list.

2. 2

   Roast Besan: Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or kadai over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Reduce the heat to low, add the besan, and roast, stirring continuously for 5-7 minutes until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma.

3. 3

   Create the Kadhi Base: Turn off the heat completely. Slowly pour in 2 cups of water while whisking vigorously to create a smooth, lump-free paste. Once smooth, turn the heat back to medium. Add the remaining 4 cups of water, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, ginger paste, slit green chilies, and salt. Whisk well to combine.

4. 4

   Cook the Vegetables: Bring the kadhi to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Add the cubed potatoes and drumstick pieces. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until they are partially tender. Next, add the chopped cluster beans and continue to simmer for another 8-10 minutes.

5. 5

   Finish and Temper: Stir in the prepared tamarind extract, whole okra, and quartered tomatoes. Let the kadhi simmer gently for a final 5-7 minutes, until the okra is tender-crisp and the tomatoes have softened slightly. Be careful not to overcook the okra.

6. 6

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.