Kanika Bhaat / Sweet Rice – Odisha Festive Cuisine

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rice, soaked for 1/2 hour
• 2 tbsp. + 1 tsp. ghee
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 2 green cardamoms
• 1 big cardamom
• 4 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 tsp. whole peppercorns
• 1 star anise
• 1/2 mace
• 1/3 cup cashew nuts
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup coconut, sliced
• pinch turmeric powder
• pinch salt
• 1/4 cup sugar
• pinch nutmeg powder

Steps

1. Rinse the rice well and soak in enough water for 30 minutes. Then drain and keep aside. Heat 2 tbsp. ghee in a pan and stir fry the cashew nuts, raisins and sliced coconut till they turn light brown in color. Drain and keep aside.
2. Temper the same ghee with the bay leaves, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, mace, peppercorns, big cardamom & star anise. Sauté for a few seconds.
3. Then add the soaked rice, pinch of salt & turmeric powder. Sauté for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add 1 & 1/4 cup water cook, covered, on a low flame for 4-5 minutes.
5. Add the sugar & the fried nuts. Continue to cook till all the water has been absorbed and the rice is done.
6. Add the nutmeg powder & the remaining 1 tsp. ghee. Give it a stir & keep it covered for 4-5 minutes.
7. Fluff it up with a fork & serve with dalma and / or any veg. curry for a divine experience.