Varhadi Aloo Bhat

Pleasure your taste buds with the Varhadi aloo bhat, a fabulous dish from Maharashtra cuisine. This Maharashtian recipe of rice and yogurt simmered with spices makes a great meal by itself. It is also known as Vagharelo aloo bhat and it is the Maharashtrian version of vegetable pulao. Try it by yourself.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

• 4 no: Large potatoes, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups: Rice, washed
• 3/4 cup: Yoghurt
• 5 cm: Ginger
• 2 pieces: Cinnamon
• 3 tsp: Coriander seeds
• 1/4 tsp: Turmeric
• 1/2 cup: Coriander leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup: Dry coconut (copra), grated
• 5-6: Green chillies, chopped
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying

1. Fry potatoes and cashewnuts separately. Reserve.
2. Grind green chillies, ginger, cinnamon, coriander seeds and turmeric.
3. Heat 2 tbsps oil and fry the ground paste. Add fried potatoes and yoghurt. Add rice and stir fry.
4. Add 3 cups water, salt and cook the rice. Add fried cashewnuts.
5. Garnish with dry grated coconut and coriander leaves, and serve hot.