Discover the Delight of Uttar Pradesh-Style Tehri: A Quick Vegetarian Feast
If you find biryani too time-consuming and pulao a bit too plain, then Uttar Pradesh-Style Tehri is the perfect culinary solution for your dinner table. This classic one-pot rice dish, originating from the rich culinary traditions of Awadh and Purvanchal, is often celebrated as the vegetarian cousin of biryani. Made with aromatic basmati rice, a medley of fresh vegetables, and a blend of traditional spices, Tehri offers a hearty and flavorful meal that is both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. Best served with cooling raita and tangy pickle on the side, this dish brings the authentic taste of Uttar Pradesh right into your home kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Authentic Tehri
To recreate this beloved dish, you will need the following ingredients, carefully measured to ensure perfect balance and flavor:
- 2 cups of high-quality basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons of mustard oil for that distinctive aroma
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- ½ cup of fresh green peas
- 1 carrot, chopped into small pieces
- ½ cup of cauliflower florets
- 8–10 green beans, trimmed and cut
- Aromatic whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 4 cloves, 4–5 black peppercorns, 1 small cinnamon stick, 1 black cardamom, and 2 green cardamoms
- 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
- Ground spices: 1 teaspoon red chilli powder, 1 teaspoon coriander powder, ½ teaspoon turmeric powder, and ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Water as required for cooking
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preparation
Begin by washing the basmati rice thoroughly under running water to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure it cooks evenly and becomes fluffy. Meanwhile, peel, wash, and chop all the vegetables into uniform pieces to promote even cooking.
Step 2: Tempering the Spices
Heat the mustard oil in a pressure cooker over medium flame until it starts to smoke lightly. This step is crucial as it enhances the oil's flavor and removes any raw taste. Add the bay leaf, cumin seeds, cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon stick, and black peppercorns. Allow them to crackle and release their aromatic oils, filling your kitchen with an inviting fragrance.
Step 3: Sautéing the Base
Add the sliced onions to the tempered spices and sauté until they turn golden brown and translucent. Incorporate ginger-garlic paste at this stage and cook until the raw smell dissipates completely. Then, add the ground spices: turmeric, coriander powder, red chilli powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix everything well to form a fragrant masala base.
Step 4: Adding Vegetables
Introduce the chopped potatoes, green peas, carrots, cauliflower florets, green beans, and a finely chopped green chilli for a hint of heat. Stir and cook the vegetables with the masala for about 2 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors and soften slightly.
Step 5: Combining Rice and Vegetables
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pressure cooker. Gently mix the rice with the vegetables and spices, taking care not to break the rice grains. This ensures that every grain is coated with the flavorful masala.
Step 6: Pressure Cooking
Pour in the required amount of water, typically about 3 to 4 cups depending on the rice variety, and give it a gentle stir. Bring the mixture to a boil, then secure the lid of the pressure cooker. Cook on a low flame for 2 whistles, which allows the rice and vegetables to steam perfectly and meld together.
Step 7: Final Touches and Serving
Once the pressure releases naturally, open the cooker and fluff the Tehri with a fork. Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve this delightful dish hot, accompanied by a side of raita and your favorite pickle for a complete and comforting meal.
Why Tehri is a Must-Try Dish
Uttar Pradesh-Style Tehri stands out as an excellent choice for busy weeknights or special occasions due to its simplicity and depth of flavor. Unlike biryani, which often requires lengthy marination and layering, Tehri comes together in one pot, minimizing cleanup time. The use of mustard oil and a blend of whole and ground spices imparts a unique taste that is both robust and nuanced. This dish not only showcases the culinary heritage of Uttar Pradesh but also offers a nutritious and filling vegetarian option that can be easily customized with seasonal vegetables. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe promises to deliver a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
