Vagharela Bhaat

Vagharela Bhaat

Vagharela Bhaat

Veg

Day-old cooked rice revived with a sizzling ghee-mustard tadka — hot ghee crackled with mustard seeds, hing, curry leaves, green chilli, and dried red chilli is poured over the rice and tossed until each grain is coated and fragrant. The word vaghar means tempering; vagharela bhaat is the daily breakfast of the Kathiyawadi home, transforming leftover rice into something aromatic and satisfying.

Cuisines

Gujarati Kutchi Kathiyawadi Surati

Best for

Breakfast Lunch

Recipe

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Total: 35 min 2-3 servings

Ingredients

2 cups cooked basmati rice
2 tablespoons oil
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
1 pinch asafoetida
8-10 curry leaves
2 tablespoons peanuts
1 cup chopped mixed vegetables (e.g., peas, carrots, bell peppers)
1 green chili, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon sugar
salt to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves

Instructions

  1. 1 Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. 2 Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
  3. 3 Add cumin seeds, asafoetida, and curry leaves, and sauté for a few seconds.
  4. 4 Add peanuts and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  5. 5 Add chopped mixed vegetables and green chili, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
  6. 6 Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt.
  7. 7 Add the cooked rice to the pan and mix well with the spices and vegetables.
  8. 8 Add lemon juice and sugar, and mix thoroughly.
  9. 9 Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined and heated through.
  10. 10 Garnish with chopped fresh coriander leaves before serving.

Tips

For extra flavour, use whole spices in the oil first.