Masale Bhat, or 'spiced rice,' stands out as a delectable one-pot meal rooted in Maharashtrian culinary tradition. Fond recollections of this flavorful dish flood my mind, often encountered at Maharashtrian weddings. Familiarly termed Masala Bhat, it boasts simplicity in preparation while delivering a rich tapestry of tastes and textures from its diverse ingredients. This dish offers both ease and indulgence, making it an ideal comfort meal to unwind with after a long, exhausting day.

Ingredients:

For Masala Bhat:

2-3 tablespoons Vashishti A2 Cow Ghee
1/4 cup Vashishti Whole Cashews
1/2 teaspoon Mustard Seeds
1/2 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
2 Bay Leaves
3-4 Green Chillies, chopped
1 teaspoon Ginger Paste
2 Tomatoes, chopped
Salt, to taste
1/2 cup mixed vegetables (such as Ivy Gourd, Potato, Green Peas, Carrot)
2-3 tablespoons Goda Masala
1 teaspoon Vashishti Turmeric Powder
1-2 teaspoons Red Chilli Powder
1 cup Rice, soaked
3 1/2 cups Water (adjust as needed)
Fresh Coriander Leaves and Grated Coconut for garnish

For Goda Masala:

1 tablespoon Poppy Seeds
1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds
1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
1 tablespoon Coriander Seeds
1-inch Cinnamon Stick
3 Cloves
2 Green Cardamom Pods
6-7 Black Peppercorns
2 Bay Leaves
2 tablespoons Dry Coconut

 

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Instructions:

Prepare Goda Masala:
Dry roast all the ingredients for Goda Masala until fragrant. Allow them to cool, then grind into a fine powder. Set aside.

Prepare Masala Bhat:
1. Heat Vashishti A2 Cow Ghee in a pan. Add cashews and sauté until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same pan, add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and bay leaves. Let them crackle.
3. Add chopped green chillies and ginger paste. Sauté for a minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
5. Now add salt, mixed vegetables, and Goda Masala. Mix well.
6. Add turmeric powder and red chilli powder. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
7. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Mix gently with the masala.
8. Pour in water and give everything a good stir.
9. Cover the pan and let the rice cook on low heat until done. This might take about 15-20 minutes depending on the rice variety.
10. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork.
11. Garnish with fried cashews, fresh coriander leaves, and grated coconut before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Masala Bhat as a festive treat for Gudi Padwa or any special occasion!