WOYP Day #36 Kuska with Mirchi ka salan

Kuska is a mildly seasoned Biryani rice with no vegetables often served with rich, spicy gravies or curries. The mildness goes well in contrast with the heavily seasoned side dish. I’ve seen so many versions of this rice in the past few weeks that I decided I had to try my hand at it :D So here is my version of the Kuska. We had ours with a spicy Mirchi ka Salan. 

Kuska:
You will need:

2 cups Basmati rice (or any long grain rice)
3 cups Water
2 tbsp Oil
2 tbsp Butter
1 onion thinly sliced
2 tomatoes chopped
1 tsp Cumin seeds
1 tsp Fennel seeds
1/4 cup Yoghurt, lightly beaten
Salt to taste

To grind to a paste:
8-10 mint leaves
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
3 green chillies
4 cloves
1” pc cardamom
6 pods Garlic
1” pc Ginger
2 tbsp chopped onions

Wash the Basmati rice couple of times and then soak in cold water for 20 minutes. Make a smooth paste of the ingredients listed under “To grind”.

Heat oil and butter in a pressure cooker. Add the cumin seeds and fennel seeds. When they begin to splutter add the sliced onions and sauté until light brown. Add the prepared paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the chopped tomatoes, salt to taste. Once the tomatoes are soft, stir in the beaten yogurt. Drain the rice and add to the cooker, stir and then add measured quantity of water. Stir to combine. Close cooker lid and turn heat to high, allow steam to rise. Place weight on lid and lower heat to low. Cook for 9 minutes and then turn off heat.

Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing the cooker lid. This allows the rice to absorb all the water and become fluffy. Combine well before serving.

Kuska can be served with a side of boiled eggs too.

Mirchi ka Salan click here

You can use Jalapenos  or Serrano peppers which are spicier than Jalapenos. I also added large chunks of Green bell pepper. If you don't want to add any chilies you can make plain Salan too which goes with any Biryani or flavored rice.