Description
A fragrant layered rice dish featuring spiced rice and hard-boiled eggs, perfect for cozy fall dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 30 minutes
- 6 large eggs
- 3 tbsp ghee or neutral oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 green chilies, slit (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder (optional)
- 1 1/2 tsp garam masala
- 4 whole cloves
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- A few saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and mint, chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 cups water or as needed
Instructions
- Hard-boil the eggs: place eggs in a pot, cover with water, bring to a boil for 9 minutes, then cool in ice water. Peel and set aside.
- Fry halved boiled eggs in a little oil until lightly golden and set aside, if desired.
- Bring 3 cups water to a boil with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp oil and the whole spices (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf).
- Add drained rice and cook until grains are 70% done (about 6–7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Heat ghee/oil in a heavy pan. Fry sliced onions until deep golden and set aside half for garnish.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, sauté 30 seconds, then add tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric, chili powder, and salt. Cook until oil separates.
- Stir in yogurt, garam masala, chopped herbs, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- In a wide, heavy-bottomed pot, spread half of the masala, then half of the rice.
- Arrange eggs (halved or whole) over the rice, then finish with remaining rice and masala. Sprinkle saffron milk and reserved fried onions on top.
- Seal the pot with a tight lid (or dough) and cook on very low heat for 15–20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Let it rest 5 minutes after removing from heat. Gently fluff and serve with raita or a simple salad.
Notes
Use fluffy, aged basmati for best results. Fry onions slowly for caramelized sweetness.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Indian