Ingredients
Method
Step 1
- Wash and soak the basmati rice for 20 to 30 minutes. Bring plenty of water to a boil and add salt and oil. Add the soaked rice and cook until perfectly done. Drain the water and spread the rice on a plate or tray to cool. Keep aside.
Step 2
- Drain the soaked chana dal and reserve 1 to 2 tbsp of whole soaked dal.
- Add the remaining soaked chana dal, green chilies, ginger, and fresh coconut to a grinder jar. Grind into a coarse mixture and keep aside.
Step 3
- Wash and shred the raw mango. If using a soft skinned Totapuri mango, there is no need to peel it. If using a hard skinned variety, peel the mango before shredding.
Step 4
- In a stone mortar and pestle, pound together garlic, cumin seeds, salt and red chili powder to make a coarse spice paste.
Step 5
- Heat oil in a large kadai or pan. Add mustard seeds and allow them to crackle.
- Add cumin seeds, hing, curry leaves, and dried red chilies. Sauté for a few seconds.
- Add raw peanut and stir until golden brown, then add the prepared garlic spice paste and sauté until aromatic.
Step 6
- Add the reserved whole soaked chana dal and stir for a minute.
- Add the coarse ground chana dal mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add the shredded raw mango and mix well.
- Season with salt, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 7
- Add the cooked rice and gently toss until well combined.
- Add sugar if using and fresh coriander leaves. Mix gently and cook for another minute.
- Serve hot with koshimbir, papad, pickle, and yogurt.
Tips
- Soak the chana dal for at least 6 hours for the best texture.
- Grind the chana dal mixture coarse rather than smooth to maintain a pleasant bite.
- Adjust the amount of raw mango depending on its sourness.
- A little sugar helps balance the tangy flavors but can be skipped.
- Cook the rice separately and drain it well to keep the grains fluffy and non-sticky.
- Fresh coconut adds authentic flavor and texture, so try not to skip it.
