Thorer Ghonto, Steamed Basmati Rice and Motor Dal

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 motor dal (about 200g)
• 4 cup water
• 0.5 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 0.5 tsp sugar (optional, for authentic Bengali taste)
• 2 tbsp mustard oil
• 1 tsp panch phoron (Bengali five-spice blend)
• 2 pcs dried red chilli (broken in half)
• 1 pcs bay leaf
• 1 inch ginger (finely grated)
• 2 pcs green chilli (slit lengthwise)
• 1 tsp ghee (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tbsp coriander leaves (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare and cook the dal

   • Rinse the motor dal thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.
   • In a pressure cooker, add the rinsed dal, 4 cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt.
   • Secure the lid and cook on medium heat for 4-5 whistles, or until the dal is soft and cooked through. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
   • Let the pressure release naturally. Open the cooker and whisk the dal lightly to get a smooth consistency. If it's too thick, add a little hot water.
2. 2

   Make the tempering (phoron)

   • Heat mustard oil in a small pan or tadka pan over medium heat until it's slightly smoking.
   • Reduce the heat and add the bay leaf, dried red chilies, and panch phoron. Let the spices splutter for about 30-40 seconds.
   • Add the grated ginger and slit green chilies. Sauté for another minute until the raw smell of ginger disappears.
3. 3

   Combine and simmer

   • Carefully pour the hot tempering over the cooked dal in the pressure cooker.