Masale Bhaat
A fragrant one-pot rice dish from Maharashtra, cooked with a medley of vegetables and the unique, aromatic goda masala. It’s a comforting and hearty meal, perfect for a wholesome lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
7 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Preparation: Rinse the rice under running water until it runs clear
- a.Soak the rice in ample water for 20-30 minutes. Drain completely and set aside. Meanwhile, prep all your vegetables.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Tempering and Sautéing Aromatics: Heat oil in a 3-liter pressure cooker over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, curry leaves, and cashews. Sauté for 30-40 seconds until the cashews turn light golden.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies, and cook for another minute. Now, add the cubed potatoes, eggplant, and ivy gourd. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 4
Add Spices and Rice: Add the green peas
- a.Lower the heat and add turmeric powder, red chili powder, and the star ingredient, goda masala. Mix well and cook for 30 seconds. Add the drained rice and gently sauté for 1-2 minutes, ensuring the grains are coated with the spices without breaking them.
- 5
Pressure Cook: Pour in 3 cups of hot water
- a.Add the tamarind pulp, jaggery, and salt. Stir gently to combine everything. Secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on medium-high heat for 2 whistles (about 10-12 minutes).
- 6
Rest and Garnish: Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally
- a.This is crucial for perfectly cooked, non-mushy rice. Once the pressure has settled, open the lid. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes, then gently fluff it with a fork.
- 7
Serve: Drizzle with ghee (if using)
- a.Garnish generously with freshly grated coconut and chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with a side of plain yogurt, raita, or a simple koshimbir (salad).
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use Ambemohar rice, a short-grain fragrant rice from Maharashtra. If unavailable, Basmati works well.
- 2Do not skip Goda Masala; it is the soul of this dish and cannot be substituted with Garam Masala as it has a unique sweet and pungent flavor profile.
- 3Letting the pressure release naturally is key to getting fluffy, separate grains of rice. A quick release can make the rice mushy.
- 4Toasting the rice gently for a minute after adding it to the pot enhances its nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate.
- 5The balance of tamarind (sour), jaggery (sweet), and chili (heat) is essential. Adjust these to your personal preference.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, cauliflower florets, drumsticks (moringa), or even broad beans (vaal papdi).
Add PeanutsAdd Peanuts
For extra crunch and flavor, add 2 tablespoons of raw peanuts along with the tempering.
No Onion/Garlic VersionNo Onion/Garlic Version
For a sattvic or Jain version, simply omit the onions and ginger-garlic paste. The dish will still be flavorful due to the goda masala.
Stovetop Pot MethodStovetop Pot Method
If not using a pressure cooker, follow the steps in a heavy-bottomed pot. After adding water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until all water is absorbed and rice is cooked.
Why this is on our healthy list.
High in Fiber
Loaded with a variety of vegetables like peas, eggplant, and ivy gourd, this dish is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps maintain a healthy gut.
Balanced Macronutrients
This one-pot meal provides a good balance of complex carbohydrates from rice for sustained energy, protein from peas and cashews, and healthy fats from oil and coconut.
Rich in Antioxidants
The spices used, such as turmeric, cumin, and those in goda masala, are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
Goda Masala is a unique Maharashtrian spice blend with a sweet and aromatic profile, containing ingredients like coconut, sesame seeds, and stone flower (dagad phool). It is not recommended to substitute it with garam masala as the flavor is very different. You can find it at Indian grocery stores or online.