| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 450 | 5g | 0.7g | 90g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 4g | 9g | 1g |
There’s something so soul-warming about the Jakhya Rice: Basmati rice cooked with Jakhya and local spices. Especially with its vibrant mix of flavors brought on by a rich blend of local spices and delectable fruit. The dish is a perfect fusion of East meets West, a flavor palette that reflects my own cultural background, being both a Seattle native and of Japanese descent. The love for the natural, fresh and diverse of the Pacific Northwest and the tinge of Asian influence is perfectly embodied in this recipe.
A Salute to Health and Taste
The Jakhya Rice is not just about tantalizing your tastebuds, it also salutes your health. Made with raw materials such as Basmati rice, a rich source of fiber, and fruits with high Vitamin C content, the dish promotes a healthy heart, aids digestion and boosts immunity. Not to mention, Jakhya seeds, which provide a unique flavor, are also known to provide antioxidants and improve digestion.
The marriage of piquant spices like dried red chilies, turmeric, and cumin seeds contributes to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of this recipe. Indeed, every spoonful of this warm and comforting dish brings a cascade of textures, flavors and nutritional punch.
Perfect for Any Meal
Despite its intricate mix of flavors, Jakhya Rice with Basmati rice cooked with Jakhya and local spices, is remarkably versatile. Whether you’re in the mood for a light breakfast, satisfying lunch, or a hearty dinner, this dish could be your go-to. It’s slightly reminiscent of the vibrant and health focussed Vegetable Biryani, one of my other favourite recipes, but the fruit provides a light, sweet twist.
And if you’re thinking of good company for this recipe, I highly recommend a lovely Asian cucumber salad. The crisp, tangy nature of the salad offsets the warm, spice-infused nature of the Jakhya rice wonderfully. It’s a pairing that never fails to bring a touch of gourmet right into your home kitchen.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Basmati rice
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of Jakhya seeds
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- 2 dried red chilies
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 2 cups of chopped mixed fruits (like apples, oranges, and bananas)
- Handful of chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
First, rinse the Basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove the starch and prevents the rice from sticking together. Once the rice is thoroughly rinsed, drain it and set it aside.
Step Two
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the Jakhya seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies to the pan. Stir the spices around and cook them until they begin to pop and sizzle, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
Step Three
Add the turmeric powder into the saucepan and stir it into the other spices. Then, add the rinsed and drained Basmati rice to the pan, stirring it to ensure that it’s fully coated in the spice mixture.
Step Four
Pour the water into the saucepan and add salt to taste. Stir everything together, then raise the heat and bring the water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
Step Five
Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to continue to steam and become even more tender.
Step Six
While the rice is cooking, chop the mixed fruits and set them aside. After the rice has finished resting, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Add the chopped fruits and stir them into the rice until they’re evenly distributed.
Step Seven
Finally, squeeze the lemon juice over the rice and fruits and stir it in. Top the Jakhya Rice with the chopped fresh cilantro for garnish just before serving.
