GI-Tag Katarni Rice Recipes: Cooking with Heritage

Recipe 1: Traditional Katarni Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Katarni Rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Rinse Katarni Rice thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes.
2. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds and bay leaf.
3. Add onion and garlic, sauté until golden.
4. Add rice and sauté for 2 minutes.
5. Pour in water, add salt, and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Fluff with a fork and garnish with coriander.

Serving Suggestions: Serve with raita or curry, and enjoy a taste of heritage.

Recipe 2: Katarni Rice and Vegetable Biryani

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Katarni Rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp biryani masala
• 1/4 cup yogurt
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh mint and coriander for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Rinse and soak Katarni Rice for 30 minutes.
2. Heat ghee in a pot, add onions, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until golden.
3. Add mixed vegetables and biryani masala, cook for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in yogurt, mix well.
5. Add soaked rice and water, and season with salt.
6. Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes.
7. Garnish with mint and coriander before serving.

Serving Suggestions: Serve hot with raita and pickle for a complete meal.

Recipe 3:  Sweet Katarni Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Katarni Rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, cashews)
• 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp ghee

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Rinse Katarni Rice and soak for 30 minutes.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee and sauté the rice for 2 minutes.
3. Add milk and bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the rice is cooked and the mixture thickens, add sugar, raisins, and nuts.
5. Stir in cardamom powder and cook for another 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions: Serve warm or chilled, garnished with extra nuts and a sprinkle of saffron if desired. Enjoy this creamy dessert after a hearty meal.

Recipe 4: Rose Phirni with Katarni Rice

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Katarni Rice
• 4 cups milk
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup rose syrup
• 1/4 tsp cardamom powder
• 1 tbsp rose water
• 2 tbsp chopped pistachios
• Dried rose petals for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Rinse Katarni Rice thoroughly and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and grind to a coarse paste using a little water.
2. In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring the milk to a boil. Lower the heat and add the rice paste, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
3. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the rice is completely cooked, about 20-25 minutes.
4. Add sugar and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
5. Stir in the rose syrup, cardamom powder, and rose water. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let the phirni cool to room temperature.

Serving Suggestions: Pour the phirni into serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Garnish with chopped pistachios and dried rose petals before serving. Enjoy this fragrant, creamy dessert as a delightful end to any meal.