Brinji Rice (Tamilnadu Pulav)

Brinji rice is very famous in Tamilnadu. Brinji means Bay leaves or Tejpatta. So, this is a simple rice dish made with simple ingredients but Bay leaves and coconut milk are the ones that bring the actual flavor to the rice.

Preparation Time: 5 minutes 

Cook Time: 20 minutes 

Serves : 3-4

Ingredients:

Basmati Rice: 1.5 cups 

Onion : 1 sliced

Green chilies: 3 slit

Ginger garlic paste: 1 tbsp 

Coconut milk: 1.5 cups 

Water : 1 1/4 cups 

Garam masala: 1 tsp 

Salt to taste 

Coriander leaves/cilantro: 1/2 cup

For tempering:

Ghee : 3 tbsp 

Bay leaves: 3

Cloves : 5

Cinnamon: 1" stick

Elachi/ Green cardamom: 3

Shahi jeera : 1/2 tsp 

Cashews : 3 tbsp 

Star anise : 1

Method:

Soak rice for 30 minutes.

Heat ghee in a vessel and add all ingredients for tempering, fry for 1 minute. 

Add green chilies and onions and sauté till they turn translucent.

Add ginger garlic paste and fry for 1 minute.

Add drained rice and fry for 3 minutes, toss well. Don't mix.

Add garam masala, salt, coconut milk, water and cilantro. Bring it to a boil and simmer. Close lid and cook for 5-7 minutes or until rice is done. 

Let it rest for 10 minutes before opening the lid.

Fluff up the rice with a fork and serve hot with gravy or raita.