Masala Bhaat -By Chef. Narayan Dutt Sharma, (Culinary Head of Barbeque Nation Hospitality Limited) 

Masala Bhaat is a traditional Maharashtrian rice dish made with aromatic spices and vegetables. Here's a recipe to make Masala Bhaat:

Ingredients:

· 2 cups of basmati rice

· 3 cups of water

· 2 tbsp of oil or ghee

· 1/2 tsp of cumin seeds

· 1/2 tsp of mustard seeds

· 1/2 tsp of fennel seeds

· 1 bay leaf

· 2-3 cloves

· 2-3 cardamom pods

· 1 cinnamon stick

· 1 onion, chopped

· 1 green chili, chopped

· 1 tsp of ginger-garlic paste

· 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)

· 1/4 tsp of turmeric powder

· 1 tsp of coriander powder

· 1 tsp of cumin powder

· 1/2 tsp of red chili powder

· Salt, to taste

· Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish

Preparation Method:

1.Wash the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes.

2.In a pan, heat oil or ghee.

3.Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fennel seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a few seconds until the spices release their aroma.

4.Add chopped onion and green chili and sauté until the onion turns translucent.

5.Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a few seconds.

6.Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

7.Add turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.

8.Add soaked rice to the pan and sauté for a few minutes.

9.Add 3 cups of water and mix well.

10.Cover the pan and let the rice cook on low heat until it's fully cooked and fluffy.

11.Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.

12.Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped coriander leaves.

Your delicious Masala Bhaat is now ready to be served and enjoyed!