KALONJI RICE / RICE STIR FRIED WITH ONION SEEDS

Kalonji is a well-known spice for the North Indians and this gives a nice aroma to the dishes. It is perfect for health and possesses many medicinal properties and packed with antioxidants too.  Kalonji in English is known as Nigella seeds or its scientific name Nigella sativa.  Kalonji is basically herb and is widely used in Ayurveda

Kalonji Rice is a delicious aromatic main course that goes perfectly with any types of curries.  The roasted kalonji seeds infuse its flavor and aroma into the basmati rice, making it an yummy meal.  I can literally eat this plain without any gravy, as Kalonji seeds has a nice mild minty flavor, accompanied by cumin seeds and then of course the fragrance of a good quality aged basmati rice.

Kalonji Rice, I have never eaten before and either heard off.  Being from South of India and then later part of my life spent in Gulf, I have never tasted Kalonji recipes, yet I just wanted to bring a change from the routine Jeera Rice.  Usually Kalonji is used is Parathas and Curries as aromatics. After lot of consideration I decided to use Kalonji as Star of my Rice dish.  Simple, easy and yet full of flavors.  I had no clue of how it would taste and deep down my heart I had the fear what if my family rejects this meal.  I was very skeptical about the flavors, yet I decided that I need to keep on experimenting.  

My Kalonji Rice recipe is not overly greasy or overcooked or mushy and secondly I have drained off the rice starch.  It just takes 15 minutes for this flavor loaded recipe that is fragrant in amazing way! And I’m going to teach you how to make Kalonji rice and you will never go wrong in making the perfectly cooked rice.

Here is how to make Kalonji Rice which is just perfect with each grain separate.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoon Kalonji seeds
• ¾ tablespoon Cumin seeds
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 cup Onions
• 3 - 4 Green Chilies
• 1 ½ tablespoon Ghee / Oil
• Rock Salt, as required
• 5 cups of Water to boil the rice

Procedure:

Gently wash the rice and immerse the rice in a bowl of water for 10 to 15 minutes.

While the rice soaks, heat water in a deep vessel and add in rock salt and bay leaves.  Add excess salt in the water, only then the rice can absorb salt and not to worry, as we will drain off the water. 

When the water boils, add in the washed rice and ½ tablespoon for ghee.  Ghee / oil is added to avoid the rice sticking to each other. The rice should be cooked upto 80% to 90% only.  Drain the water and leave the rice uncover, allowing it to cool down.  Thereafter with the help of a fork fluff the rice to make each grain separate.  This is how to make the perfect Rice with each grain separate.

Adding a few drops of lemon to the boiling rice will keep the rice bright, white in colour and fluffy.  I haven’t followed this step because I was sure about the quality of Basmati rice used.

Heat ghee / oil in a non-stick heavy bottom pan.  Slightly crush the cumin seeds in your hands or mortar pestle before adding to the ghee, when it starts to splutter, add in the slightly crushed Kalonji seeds and saute.  Gently crushing the spices will bring out its natural oil and enhance flavor. These simple secrets enhance the rice dish. Now add the chopped onions and slit green chilies and saute until the onions becomes translucent.  You can increase or decrease the amount of chilies according to your taste buds.

When the onions become translucent, low the flame and spread in the cooking rice and gently toss until the rice is coated with the seeds.  Cover the pan and allow it cook on sim for another 5 minutes. 

Tada a supper yummy Kalonji Rice is ready to serve with non-veg curries or choice of Daals. 

Tips:

• Use good quality Basmati Rice
• Fluffing the rice with fork is to separate each grain.  Do not overmix it, as rice will break.
• Adding some whole spices like cloves, pepper and cardamom will further enhance.

Please try this recipe, and don’t forget to let me know if you like it through comments. Please like my page and share with your friends using the buttons on the side- that would really encourage me. God Bless!

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