By Sama Rice Pulao (also known as Vrat Ke Chawal Pulao) is a light and nutritious dish commonly prepared during fasting (vrat) days. Sama rice, also known as barnyard millet, is a good alternative to regular rice.
Here’s simple Sama Rice Pulao:
Ingredients:
- Sama rice (barnyard millet): 1 cup
- Potatoes: 1 medium, diced
- Carrots: 1 small, diced (optional)
- Green peas: 1/4 cup (optional, if allowed during fasting)
- Peanuts: 2 tbsp, roasted
- Ghee or oil: 2 tbsp
- Cumin seeds: 1 tsp
- Green chilies: 1-2, slit (optional)
- Ginger: 1 tsp, grated
- Coriander leaves: A handful, chopped
- Rock salt (sendha namak): To taste (use this if fasting)
- Black pepper: 1/4 tsp (optional)
- Water: 2 cups
- Lemon juice: 1 tsp (optional)
Instructions:
- Rinse the Sama Rice:
- Wash the sama rice thoroughly under running water and drain it.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice the potatoes and carrots into small pieces.
- If using green peas, have them ready.
- Cook the Pulao:
- Heat ghee or oil in a pan.
- Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add grated ginger and green chilies. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add diced potatoes (and carrots, if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add sama rice to the pan and stir for a couple of minutes to toast it lightly.
- Add water (2 cups) and rock salt. Mix well.
- Cover and cook on low heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Stir in roasted peanuts and black pepper (if using).
- Once done, fluff the pulao with a fork and sprinkle with chopped coriander leaves.
- Finish and Serve:
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a tangy flavor if desired.
- Serve hot with yogurt or fasting-friendly raita.
