Bachelor Masala Rice

A Simple, perfect, and quick lunchbox recipe that can be prepared in under 10 mins of time. This recipe can be easily prepared by bachelors in a jiffy. The reason why it is called Bachelor Masala Rice is that the recipe does not call for grinding or use of any fancy equipment and is prepared with simple and minimal ingredients. This recipe is a single-pot meal that is made in under 30 mins of time including the soaking time of rice.  

Planning & Pre-Preparation: 5 mins

Soaking time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 10 mins

Yields: 2 portions

Ingredients

• Basmati Rice - 1 Cup 

• Oil - 2 Tsp

• Cumin seeds/ Jeera - 1 Tsp 

• Onion (Chopped) - 2 (Medium)

• Ginger Garlic Paste- 1/2 Tsp 

• Tomatoes (Chopped) - 1/2 Cup

• Carrot- 1/2 Cup 

• Potatoes- 1/2 Cup 

• Chilli Powder- 1 Tsp

• Turmeric Powder - 1 Tsp 

• Garam Masala - 1 Tsp

• Salt - Per taste 

• Water - 1.5 Cups 

Directions

• Soak basmati rice in water for about 20 mins. After 20 mins, drain off the water and keep it aside.

• To a pressure cooker, add oil, then add Cumin seeds/ Jeera. Saute for few seconds.  

• Add onions and fry until translucent.

• Then add Ginger Garlic Paste and fry until the raw smell is gone.

• Once fried, add Tomatoes and mix well.  

• Now it’s time to add vegetables such as carrots, and Potatoes. Mix it well. Cook on a low flame for about a minute.

• Now add spice powders such as Chilli Powder, Turmeric Powder, Garam Masala, and salt & mix it well.

• Once it's mixed, add the soaked and drained rice and water. Mix it gently and evenly.

•  Cover & cook on high flame for 3 whistles and turn off the flame.

• Once the pressure settles down, open and gently mix the rice and Bachelor Masala rice is ready. Serve along with raita.

Points to be Noted

• Different rice brands may require different levels of water. Kindly read packet instructions for water quantity. I have used India Gate Basmati Rice – Super variety. 

• After turning off the flame allow the pressure to naturally settle down and use a spatula for gently mixing up the rice. Over mixing results in mushing the rice texture.