Parsi Caramelized Brown Rice

This traditional Parsi Brown Rice is a perfect accompaniment to the ever favorite Dhansak & is served in almost every Parsi home. It is mildly flavored with aromatic spices & the caramel does not sweeten the rice but lends a lovely brown color to it. Enjoy your parsi caramelized brown rice with Dhansak! 😀

Ingredients :

• 200 gms. Basmati Rice
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 4 Cloves
• 1 inch piece Cinnamon Stick
• 1 Black Cardamom (lightly crushed)
• 3 Green Cardamom (lightly crushed)
• 5 Peppercorns
• 1 star Anise
• 2 tbsp. dark liquid Caramel/ 1 tbsp. Sugar
• 1 med. Onion (finely sliced)
• 3 tbsps. Vegetable Oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp. Ghee (optional)
• Water as required

Procedure :
Pick & wash rice till the water runs clear.

Drain & let the rice soak & rest for about 20 mins.

Now heat the pressure cooker body with oil till hot.

Add the slice onions & fry till crisp & golden brown. Drain completely & set aside for garnishing.

In the same oil  add the whole garam masala (spices) & let it splutter & give out a good aroma.

Now, if you want to prepare your own caramel then add the sugar & cook till it carmelizes to a dark color. Make sure it does not burn.

Add the soaked rice & sauté gently till the rice is well coated with oil & is separate & not sticky i.e. the rice should be not raw but fried well.

Now, if using prepared caramel then add the liquid caramel & stir to mix well.

Then add sufficient water & salt to taste to the rice. Stir well & let it come to a boil.

Then fix the cooker lid & the whistle. Steam upto 2 whistles.

Release steam immediately. Open the pressure cooker & let the rice rest for about 5 mins.

Drop one teaspoon ghee around the sides of the cooker body & on top of the rice. Do not stir.

Let the rice turn warm & then gently separate the cooked rice grains with a fork & toss lightly.

Garnish the brown rice with reserved crisp onions.

Serve the Caramelized Brown Rice with Dhansak.