Tudkiya Bhath is a flavorful rice dish originating from Kashmiri cuisine. This aromatic dish features basmati rice cooked with a blend of spices, including cumin, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It often includes vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and peas, and can optionally incorporate meat. The dish is enriched with yogurt, creating a creamy texture, and is slow-cooked to allow the rice to absorb the rich flavors. Tudkiya Bhath is commonly served with yogurt, raita, or a side salad, offering a delightful and spicy culinary experience.
Here’s a basic recipe for Tudkiya Bhath. Keep in mind that recipes can vary, and you can adjust the ingredients and quantities based on your preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 1 large potato, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- 1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter) or cooking oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 4-5 green cardamom pods
- 4-5 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Wash the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, and then drain.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Peel and dice the potato and carrot.
- Slice the onion finely.
- Sauté Spices:
- Heat ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker.
- Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté until the spices release their aroma.
- Add Vegetables:
- Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.
- Add diced potatoes and carrots. Cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
- Add Yogurt and Spices:
- Add yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the oil separates.
- Add Rice:
- Add the soaked and drained rice to the pan. Gently mix to coat the rice with the spices.
- Cook Rice:
- Add water and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. If using a pressure cooker, cook for one whistle.
- Fluff and Garnish:
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
- Serve:
- Serve Tudkiya Bhath hot with yogurt, raita, or a side salad.
Enjoy your Tudkiya Bhath! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or protein for variation.
