Ingredients:
6 tablespoons Desi Ghee
2 pinches of Asafoetida (Hing)
1 teaspoon Cumin Seeds
2 tablespoons Ginger, minced
2 tablespoons Green Chili, chopped
10-12 Curry Leaves
½ teaspoon Turmeric Powder
½ teaspoon Red Chili Powder
1 teaspoon Cumin Powder
1/2 cup Pearl Barley
1 cup Pearl Millet (Bajra)
½ cup Sorghum (Jowar) ½ cup Moong Dal
½ cup Black Rice
1 tablespoon Salt
12 cups of Water
Directions:
1. Prep: In three separate bowls, wash and soak bajra for at least 8 hours; jowar, moong dal, and pearl barley for 30 minutes before cooking.
2. In a kadhai, heat 2 tablespoons of desi ghee. Once hot, add hing, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. Let them crackle for 30 seconds. Add minced ginger and green chilies, sautéing for a minute.
3. Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, and cumin powder.
4. Add the soaked grains, dal, and rice, mixing well. Pour the water and salt.
5. Cook on low heat until everything is soft, stirring occasionally. Drizzle with remaining ghee before serving.
Clay pots have such an earthen feel to the cooking process and certainly take your dish to another level. Try this clay pot rice bursting with the flavour of juicy eggplants and a variety of spices it is sure to become a fam favourite!
This impressive dish does require a little extra effort that a normal curry but all it needs to go with it is a simple raita and if you can then a green or salad on the side but anything more would detract from the biryani. I like to use a few different types of mushroom so that there are different textures as well as flavours, choose those you like and if your budget allows, buy a few wild, special mushrooms, if not stick to shiitake, oyster and large chestnut mushrooms. Balance the flavour of your sauce using the cream or tomato puree and season knowing that the rice is barely seasoned.
