Birinji Rice

I had my primary schooling in Coimbatore. When we came to Chennai, I saw this Rice in most of my class mates’ lunchboxes at least once in a week. I have never heard of this neither in Coimbatore or in Madurai, my native place. It looks like Vegetable Biryani, but tastes lighter.

You can find this Rice available almost in all Hotels in Chennai. Then I learnt from one of my friend (few years later) that it is nothing but flavorful Rice with less or no vegetables. Also, Bay Leaf is called as ‘Birinji Ilai’ in Tamil.

Yesterday, I didnt have more vegetables in hand. So made this Rice with the available Peas.

Here is the easy recipe.

Ingredients:

Basmati Rice 1 ½ cups

Chilli Powder ½ tsp

Coriander Powder 3/4 tsp

Turmeric Powder 1/8 tsp

Green Chillies 2-3

Pudina and Coriander Leaves Few

Ginger-Garlic Paste 1tsp

Peas ½ cup

Tomato (medium) 1

Onion (medium) 1

Water

Oil

Whole Garam Masala

Bay Leaves 2

Cloves 4

Green Cardamom 2

Cinnamon Sticks a small piece

Aniseeds Few

Preparation:

Cut and puree Tomatoes. Chop Onions lengthwise. Soak Rice for 30 minutes. Slit chillies.

Method:

Heat Oil in a Cooker. When hot, add the Whole Garam Masala. When the seeds crackle and turn slightly brown, add chopped Onions, Pudina & Coriander Leaves and chillies .

When Onions turn slightly brown, add Tomato Paste. Fry for a while and then add all the Powders. Fry till the Oil separates. Now add Peas and strained Rice.

Mix well. Add water and Salt. Close the Lid and cook for 1 whistle.

Serves: 2

Serve with Raita.