Narali Bhaat (sweetened coconut rice) is a delicious recipe that is 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 by fishermen. This is made to celebrate the day that marks the end of the monsoon and the beginning of the fishing season once again.
This is a very easy and simple recipe. Rice is sweetened using jaggery and fresh coconut is added to enhance the flavors and taste.
Ingredients:
· Ghee – 2-3 tbsp
· Cardamom pods – 3-4 (roughly crushed)
· Cinnamon stick – 1 inch
· Cloves – 4-5
· Raisins – 1 tbsp
· Cashew nuts – 8-10 (cut into halves)
· Basmati Rice – 1 cup
· Freshly Grated Coconut – 1 cup
· Salt – ¼ tsp
· Water – 2.5 to 3 cups
· Saffron/ Kesar strands dissolved in milk (optional)
· Jaggery – 1 cup (make small chunks)
· Nutmeg Powder – ¼ tsp
Method:
· Wash and soak the basmati rice for 20-25 mins.
· Take a kadai, add ghee and sauté cardamom, cloves and cinnamon until it turns aromatic.
· Now add the raisins and cashew nuts, sauté till it turns slightly brown,
· Now add the strained basmati rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
· Add the freshly grated coconut and sauté for few minutes.
· Now add water, salt and saffron strands soaked in milk. Give a good mix. Let it come to a boil.
· Cover and simmer for 10 minutes on medium low heat or until rice is cooked well.
· Now keep the flame on low and add jaggery, combine it well. Now add the nutmeg powder.
· Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, till the jaggery melts and the coconut jaggery mixture turns aromatic and flavourful.
· Turn off the flame. Let it rest for 5-8 minutes.
· Your Narali Bhaat is ready to be served.
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