Prep
15 mins
Cook
8 hrs
Serves
6
Difficulty
MediumWhole black lentils and kidney beans slow-cooked overnight with butter, cream, and tomatoes in a smoky tandoor.
Ingredients
- 400g large prawns
- 1 cup flattened rice (poha)
- 1 tbsp curry leaves
- 2 tsp garam masala
- 2 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
- a generous handful of cauliflower florets
- a handful of fresh mint, chopped
- lemon wedges, for serving
- 500ml chicken stock
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 200g potatoes
- a generous spoonful of ghee
Instructions
- 1
Pat the basmati rice dry, season generously with salt, pepper, and ground cumin, and let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 2
Heat neutral vegetable oil in a wide pan or heavy pot over medium-high heat and sear the basmati rice until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
- 3
In the same pan, gently cook the minced garlic and crushed green cardamom pods over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
- 4
Stir in the red chili powder and green chilies, cooking for a few more minutes so the spices bloom and coat the vegetables.
- 5
Return the basmati rice to the pan, pour in the whole milk, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.
- 6
Cover and cook over low heat until the basmati rice is tender and cooked through, roughly 8 hrs.
- 7
Stir in the plain yogurt, taste, and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips
•Leftovers taste even better the next day once the spices have had time to mingle — reheat gently over low heat.
•Avoid crowding the pan when searing the basmati rice; work in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
•For deeper flavor, marinate the basmati rice for at least an hour — or overnight — before cooking.