Spiced Basmati Rice with Peanuts

This again is a recipe from Betty Crocker's Indian Cookbook, a recipe that I tried out and fell in love with. Eventhough the title name is explanatory, the common name I guess, is Masala baath. The cookbooks describes this as a Maharastrian speciality which again I would have to assume it is, since I am not familiar with Maharastrian cuisine. All that I know is I instantly fell in love with this rice dish and would make it again. A great way to add a spin to your routine menu! The fried rice with the crunchy peanuts and the slight spicy flavor imparted by the addition of garam masala and chilies is just what I would want out of a variety rice dish!! Try this out when you want something different in your menu! (BTW, I took the pictures :-))

Recipe:

Ghee or oil - 1 tbsp
Cumin seeds - 1 tsp
Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
Peanuts - 1/3 cup, dry roasted, unsalted
Fresh thai or serrano chillies - 2-3, finely chopped
Cooked basmati or long grain rice - 1 cup
Frozen green peas - 1 cup, thawed
Tomato - 1 medium, finely chopped (3/4 cup)
Cilantro - 2 tbsp, finely chopped
Salt - 1 tsp
Spicy garam masala - 1 tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp

Method:

Heat the clarified butter or oil in a wok or skillet over medium high heat.

Add the cumin seeds and sizzle for 15-20 seconds.

Toss in the onions, peanuts and chillies.

Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is golden brown.

Add the remaining ingredients.

Stir fry 3-5 minutes or until rice, peas and tomatoes are warm.

Serve warm.

Source: Betty Crocker's Indian Home Cooking, Recipes by Raghavan Iyer.

Tips:

1. I used 2 cups of cooked rice for the same proportion of other ingredients.
2. One serrano is enough for two cups of rice.
3. Basic gara masala can be used instead of spicy garam masala.
4. I used cooked Basmati rice.
5. I just used a half of a tomato, omitted the cilantro since I didnt have any at that time!
   

Once again, it is time to thank two of my fellow bloggers, Shubha of Chutki Bhar Pyar (Yummy blog award) and Sireesha of Mom's recipes (Rocking Girl Blogger award) for bestowing upon me two different awards!! I am very thankful for all your kind gestures, and I thank all of my readers, again, for your support and encouragement!

I would like to pass on the Yummy blog award from Shubha and Rocking girl blogger award from Sireesha to,

Srivalli of Cooking 4 all seasons
Happy cook of My kitchen treasures
Rachel of Tangerine's kitchen
Pearlsofeast of Anyone can cook
Maheswari of Beyond the Usual

Enjoy your awards as each of you deserve these awards to the fullest extend!

Roopa, who conceived the Yummy blog award says "Yummy blog award is the award given to the blog with most yummy recipes/photos" The receiver should also quote their favorite yummy-licious :) dessert(s) that they have ever prepared/eaten. Dont restrict yourself to any dessert, chocolate bars also welcome:). Also the receiver should pass on the award to four other bloggers who's blog they find "yummy" and let them know about the rules:)

As per the rules of the Yummy Blog Award, I am stating my four favourite desserts:

Now many of you might know me well enough to know that I am more of a sweets/desserts person, and its very tough for me to choose four. So I am giving just a general idea,

1. Icecreams (almost any flavor except for mint)
2. Gulab jamun
3. Cakes (any flavor, but not too much of icing!)
4. Chocolates (like toblerone, bounty, ferrero rocher and good old dairymilk!)

Hope you all had a great weekend. Good day to all!!

I am sending this to the "Mixed rice varieties" event at EC's Simple Indian Food. Its also off to Archana's "One Dish Meal event" at Archana's kitchen.