Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Basmati Rice

   Wash 1 cup of basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear.

2. 2.Soak the Rice

   Soak the washed rice in water for 30 minutes.

3. 3.Boil the Rice

   In a large pot, bring 3-4 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp of salt to the boiling water.

4. 4.Cook the Rice

   Drain the soaked rice and add it to the boiling salty water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the rice is 80-90% cooked and grains are separate but still firm.

5. 5.Drain the Rice

   Immediately drain the cooked rice using a fine-mesh strainer and spread it on a plate or tray to cool completely. This prevents overcooking and keeps the grains separate.

6. 6.Prepare Thecha Paste

   Heat 1 tsp of oil in a small pan or tawa. Add 10-12 garlic cloves, 1 inch ginger piece, and 8-10 green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until slightly roasted.

7. 7.Add Remaining Thecha Ingredients

   Add 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander leaves to the pan. Turn off the heat.

8. 8.Pound Thecha Paste

   Transfer the roasted ingredients to a mortar and pestle. Pound them coarsely to form a rustic paste (thecha). Set aside.

9. 9.Prepare Tempering

   Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large wok or pan. Add 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/4 tsp asafoetida, and 1 tsp cumin seeds. Let them splutter.

10. 10.Add Lentils and Chilies

    Add 2 slit green chilies, 1 sprig curry leaves, 1 tbsp raw peanuts, 1 tbsp chana dal, 1 tbsp urad dal, and 2 broken dried red chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the dals turn light golden and peanuts are roasted.

11. 11.Sauté Onions

    Add 1 medium thinly sliced onion to the wok. Sauté on high flame for 2-3 minutes until the onions turn translucent.

12. 12.Add Thecha and Turmeric

    Add the prepared thecha paste and 1/2 tsp turmeric powder to the wok. Sauté for 1 minute on high flame, mixing well with the onions and tempering.

13. 13.Combine with Rice

    Add the cooled, cooked basmati rice to the wok. Add 1 tsp salt (or to taste).

14. 14.Mix Gently

    Gently mix the rice with the tempering and thecha paste, ensuring all grains are coated. Be careful not to break the rice grains. Cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing occasionally.

15. 15.Add Lemon Juice

    Squeeze 1-2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice over the rice and mix gently.

16. 16.Serve

    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.