Patra Rice

Patra rice is an aromatic spiced rice along with a tangy masala enclosed in a banana leaf and cooked to perfection!

📝 Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon Coriander Powder
• 3-5 Whole dried Red Chillies
• 1/2- inch pieces of Ginger
• 7-8 Garlic Cloves
• 2- inch piece of Coconut
• 1 Onion (cut into big pieces)
• 2 Tomatoes (cut into big pieces)
• 3 tablespoons Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Chilli Powder (optional)
• 2.5 cups Cooked Rice (or 1/2 cup uncooked Rice)
• 1 tablespoon Ghee
• 1 teaspoon Kalonji Seeds
• 1/2 cup boiled Green Peas
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Soak dry red chilli and ginger for 15 minutes
2. 2Cook rice: Add washed rice and required water (3/4th Cup plus 2 tablespoons) to a pot and let it soak for 30 minutes, if soaking. Place the soaked rice and water on the stove and bring it to a boil. As soon as the water starts boiling, reduce the flame to a simmer and cover and cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 more minutes. Keep aside.
3. 3Make Masala blend: Grind together coriander powder, red chillies, ginger, garlic, coconut, onion, and tomato into a smooth paste.
4. 4Cook masala: Heat oil in a pan and add the ground masala along with salt, sugar, and chilli powder (if using). Cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until it thickens, and you can see oil leaving the sides.
5. 5Prepare rice: Heat ghee in a tadka pan and add kalonji seeds. Once they splutter, add this to the cooked rice along with green peas and salt. Mix well.
6. 6assemble parcel: To assemble, place ¾ cup of rice on a banana leaf and press it down with a cup or katori. Top it with 4 tablespoons of the masala.
7. 7seal parcel: Fold the banana leaf into a packet. Seal it with a toothpick.
8. 8cook the parcel: Heat a teaspoon of oil in a frying pan and place the banana leaf parcels. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
9. 9Serve hot: Serve immediately, adding a squeeze of lime for extra flavor. Enjoy your Patra Rice!