Kolambi Bhaat is a traditional Maharashtrian dish made with shrimp (kolambi) and rice (bhaat). It’s a flavorful and aromatic dish that’s popular in the coastal regions of Maharashtra, India. Here’s a basic recipe for Kolambi Bhaat:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 200g shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
- 2-3 green chilies, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Wash the rice and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan or pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.
- Add minced ginger and garlic, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for another minute.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
- Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well and cook the masala for a couple of minutes.
- Add cleaned shrimp to the masala and cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
- Add the soaked rice to the shrimp masala and mix gently.
- Add 2 cups of water (or as needed) and adjust salt if required. Bring it to a boil.
- If using a pressure cooker, close the lid and cook for 1 whistle on medium heat. If using a pan, cover and cook until the rice is done and water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes on low heat.
- Once done, let it rest for a few minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot with lemon wedges.
Enjoy your flavorful Kolambi Bhaat!
