Phodnicha Bhaat (Tempered Rice)

Phodni meaning tempering, the process that is used in almost 75% of the Indian dishes that we cook:) I usually joke about it saying, the only things we don't add tempering to is in our tea and coffee LOL. This particular dish gives a classic twist to the leftover rice.  This rice is enjoyed as breakfast in many households. Its uniqueness lies in its simple preparation and the taste is so good that it is almost addictive. 

My mom makes an excellent phodnicha bhaat. It used to be in my lunch box once a week :) and my friends enjoyed it more than I did. I try to make it once in a while whenever I have too much of leftover rice sitting on my counter. I am glad that everyone at home enjoys this dish. It falls in that comfort food category. You can side it with pickles, papad, raita or salad and enjoy it as a proper lunch.

Here is the recipe:

PHODNICHA BHAAT

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably leftover)
• 1 onion chopped or sliced
• 3 green chillies slit
• 3-4 garlic pods chopped
• 10 curry leaves
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• salt as per taste
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (haldi)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• cilantro and grated coconut for garnish (also fried onions can be used, optional)
• 3 tbsp oil
  

Preparation:

• In a non-stick pan heat oil, add mustard seeds, once it splutters add curry leaves, green chillies, garlic. Saute for a few seconds and add chopped onions. 
• Cook till they are translucent, add turmeric, salt and saute for a few more seconds. 
• Now add rice, mix everything nicely. On low flame let it cook for a couple of minutes. 
• Switch off the gas, add lemon juice and garnish the rice with cilantro and grated coconut. Serve hot!

njoY!! happY cookinG!!