Maharashtrian Narali Bhaat Recipe (Sweetened Coconut Rice)

Name: Maharashtrian Narali Bhaat Recipe (Sweetened Coconut Rice)
Prep time: 50 min
Cuisine: Maharashtrian Recipes
Ingredients: 1 cup Basmati rice; 3/4 cup Fresh coconut; grated; 3/4 cup Jaggery; grated; 1/2 teaspoon Saffron strands; 9-10 Cloves (Laung); 4 tablespoons Ghee; 2 cups Water; 1/4 cup Mixed nuts; chopped (raisins; cashewnuts; almonds; chironji and any other nuts of your choice)

By Admin

Prep Time Total in 50 M

Course Lunch

Cuisine Maharashtrian Recipes

Diet Vegetarian

Narali Bhaat Recipe is a delicious sweetened coconut rice that is typically prepared in Maharashtra on the occasion of Narali Poornima - a full moon day during the auspicious month of Shravan, when coconuts are offered to the sea. This Coconut Rice is sweetened with jaggery, is made to celebrate the day that marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the fishing season once again.

Ingredients

1 cup Basmati rice
3/4 cup Fresh coconut
grated
3/4 cup Jaggery
grated
1/2 teaspoon Saffron strands
9-10 Cloves (Laung)
4 tablespoons Ghee
2 cups Water
1/4 cup Mixed nuts
chopped (raisins
cashewnuts
almonds
chironji and any other nuts of your choice)

Instructions

Step 1

To begin making the Maharashtrian Narali Bhaat Recipe, first wash the rice thoroughly, drain the water and keep it aside for 45 minutes

Step 2

In a small pan, warm 1 tablespoon ghee and saute the dry fruits and nuts for 2-3 minutes on low heat until they turn golden and are roasted

Step 3

Remove the roasted nuts from hot ghee and set aside until later use

Step 4

In a nonstick pan or heavy-bottomed pan melt 3 tablespoons of ghee on a low heat

Step 5

Add the cloves and saute for 3-4 minutes

Step 6

When they puff up and get aromatic, add the washed rice and toss it well until the grains are well coated with ghee

Step 7

Next, pour in the water, the saffron strands and bring the rice to a brisk boil

Step 8

Once the rice comes to a brisk boil, turn the heat to low and cover the pan

Step 9

Cook the rice until all the water is absorbed

Step 10

Meanwhile, add the jaggery and coconut to a small saucepan and place it on low to medium heat

Step 11

Allow the jaggery to melt

Step 12

Once the jaggery melts, pour the jaggery and coconut mixture to the cooked rice and mix thoroughly, taking care not to break the grains

Step 13

You can use a fork and gently mix at this stage, to fluff up the grains

Step 14

Cover the pan and cook once again on a low heat for 4-5 minutes more

Step 15

Transfer the Narali Bhaat to a serving bowl and garnish it with the roasted nuts

Step 16

The Maharashtrian Narali Bhaat is now ready to be served as a festive dish