Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Cooking Area

   Start a small fire using wood and bricks in an outdoor setting to prepare for cooking.

2. 2.Soak Rice

   Pour 2 cups of Basmati rice into a bowl and add enough water to cover it. Let it soak while preparing other ingredients.

3. 3.Chop Potatoes

   Take 3 medium potatoes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then slice each half into approximately 4-5 pieces. Transfer the chopped potatoes to a separate bowl.

4. 4.Heat Oil and Temper Spices

   Place a cooking pot over the fire and add 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. 5.Add Curry Leaves and Potatoes

   Carefully add 5-6 curry leaves to the pot. Immediately add the chopped potatoes and stir well to coat them with the oil and spices. Cook the potatoes for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly tender.

6. 6.Prepare Tomatoes

   While the potatoes are cooking, pick 4-5 small tomatoes from the plant. Wash them thoroughly and then chop them into small, even pieces.

7. 7.Add Dry Spices to Potatoes

   Add 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of red chilli powder to the cooking potatoes. Stir vigorously for 1-2 minutes to ensure the spices are well combined and cooked.

8. 8.Incorporate Tomatoes and Water

   Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot with the potatoes and mix thoroughly. Continue to cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften and integrate into the mixture. Pour in 1 cup of water, stir, and bring the curry to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fully cooked and the curry has thickened to your preferred consistency.

9. 9.Cook Soaked Rice

   Drain the soaking water from the rice. In a separate pot, add hot water and the drained rice. Cook the rice until it is tender and fluffy.

10. 10.Prepare Fresh Coriander

    Pick a bunch of fresh coriander leaves from the plant. Chop the coriander leaves finely.

11. 11.Finish Potato Curry

    Add the finely chopped fresh coriander leaves to the simmering potato curry. Stir gently to combine. Remove the pot from the fire.

12. 12.Drain Cooked Rice

    Once the rice is cooked, carefully drain any excess water using a colander.

13. 13.Serve Shaak Bhaat

    On a large serving plate, spread a portion of the hot potato curry. Create a mound of the freshly cooked Basmati rice in the center of the curry. Garnish with a few fresh coriander leaves.

14. 14.Enjoy the Meal

    The delicious Bateta Nu Shaak with Basmati rice is now ready to be enjoyed.