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Authentic Banana Leaf Rice

Name: Authentic Banana Leaf Rice
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Papadums', 'amount': '4'}; {'ingredient': 'Tomato', 'amount': '1, sliced'}; {'ingredient': 'Cucumber', 'amount': '1, sliced'}; {'ingredient': 'Lemon juice', 'amount': '1 tablespoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Chili powder', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Turmeric powder', 'amount': '1/2 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Fresh ginger', 'amount': '1 tablespoon, grated'}; {'ingredient': 'Garlic', 'amount': '2 cloves, minced'}; {'ingredient': 'Onion', 'amount': '1, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Curry leaves', 'amount': '10-12'}; {'ingredient': 'Cumin seeds', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Mustard seeds', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Coconut oil', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Banana leaves', 'amount': '4, large'}; {'ingredient': 'Basmati rice', 'amount': '2 cups, cooked'}

Indulge in a culinary journey to South India with this traditional Banana Leaf Rice dish. Each bite of the fragrant Basmati rice, infused with a medley of aromatic spices, transports you to the bustling streets of South India. Served on a banana leaf, this dish is not just a meal, but a feast for the senses. The accompaniments of crisp papadums, fresh cucumber, and juicy tomato slices add a delightful crunch that complements the soft, flavorful rice.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

Papadums: 4
Tomato: 1, sliced
Cucumber: 1, sliced
Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Chili powder: 1 teaspoon
Turmeric powder: 1/2 teaspoon
Fresh ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Onion: 1, chopped
Curry leaves: 10-12
Cumin seeds: 1 teaspoon
Mustard seeds: 1 teaspoon
Coconut oil: 2 tablespoons
Banana leaves: 4, large
Basmati rice: 2 cups, cooked

Instructions

Cook the basmati rice as per the package instructions and set aside.
Clean the banana leaves with a damp cloth and gently pat dry.
In a large pan, heat the coconut oil over medium heat.
Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Wait for them to splutter.
Next, add the curry leaves, chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Saute until the onions become translucent and golden brown.
Stir in the turmeric powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
Introduce the cooked rice to the pan and stir until it is well combined with the spices. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the rice and mix well. Remove from heat.
Prepare the banana leaves by quickly passing them over an open flame. This makes them more pliable and enhances their aroma.
Place a portion of the spiced rice in the center of each banana leaf and spread it out.
Serve the banana leaf rice with freshly sliced cucumber, tomato, and crisp papadums on the side.
Enjoy this traditional, flavorful, and aromatic South Indian meal.

Dietary Information

Servings: 4 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 400 • Fat: 10g • Carbs: 68g • Protein: 8g • Sodium: 600mg • Sugar: 3g