Tehri, also known as Tahiri, is a popular North Indian rice dish that is similar to biryani or pulao. It is typically made with fragrant basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and aromatic spices. Here’s a simple recipe to make Tehri:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 potato, diced
- 1/2 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water
- Chopped cilantro (coriander leaves) for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Heat ghee or oil in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and let them splutter. Then, add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the minced ginger, garlic, and slit green chilies to the pot. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, add the diced carrots, potatoes, and green peas. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
- Seasonings and Spices: Add the chopped tomato along with turmeric powder, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes until the tomatoes are soft and the spices are fragrant.
- Cook the Rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Mix gently to combine everything. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 2 whistles.
- Fluff and Garnish: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Garnish the Tehri with chopped cilantro.
- Serve: Serve hot Tehri with yogurt, pickle, or raita (yogurt salad) on the side. You can also squeeze lemon juice over the Tehri for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Tehri as a main dish or as a side dish with your favorite curry!
